A survey of the reproductive biology in Italian branchiopods

Abstract

A survey of the most important aspects of the reproductive biology of Lepidurus apus lubbocki Brauer, 1873 (Notostraca) is presented. Gametogenesis, germ cell distribution, and somatic tract structure of the male gonad are studied by means of TEM and SEM. The most important data emerging from our observations is the total and widespread degeneration of the sperms. We discuss the real functionality of male germ cells, and the implications on sexuality and reproductive strategies. On the whole, present ultrastructural observations suggest that males of Lepidurus apus lubbocki are not functional. Therefore, we suggest that this form reproduces parthenogenetically as the functional female gonad lacks any associated testicular cells. For comparison, we analyzed the male portion of the hermaphroditic gonad of Triops longicaudatus (LeConte, 1846) from California. In this case functionallity of the testis lobes and sperm were readily apparent.