Morphology of the male reproductive system and sperm of Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas, 1852) (Heteroptera: Coreidae).

Abstract

Taxonomic data on Coreidae have been fragmented over time and need to be revised. Likewise, data related to the development of germ cells and the features of the male reproductive system, including sperm, will contribute to understanding the biological mechanisms of reproduction and the systematics of its representatives. Aiming to provide these data, we describe the morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of Leptoglossus zonatus using light and transmission electron microscopies, respectively. Each of the two testes is surrounded by a bright red-pigmented sheath and formed by seven follicles arranged side by side. The two vasa deferentia are filled with individualized sperm, especially in their final portion, which is dilated and curved. After dilation, the vasa deferentia receive the ducts of the accessory glands of mesodermal origin. The other unpaired accessory gland is of ectodermal origin and opens into the ejaculatory duct. Both glandular types are densely coiled and have lumens filled with secreted material. Testicular follicles contain cysts with germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis, indicating continuous production of gametes throughout adult life. Mature sperm measure around 310 μm long, with a nucleus of 36 μm and a flagellum formed only by an axoneme of 9 + 9 + 2 microtubules and two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives. Like the sperm of other Heteroptera, the acrosome has a single structure (without perforatorium), there are no accessory bodies in the flagella, and the mitochondrial derivatives are connected to the axonemes, supporting the synapomorphic condition of these characteristics for this suborder of bedbugs. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The Leptoglossus zonatus sperm are slender and long, about 310 μm in length, and a nucleus 36 μm long. Spermatogenesis occurs throughout adult life and equally in the seven testicular follicles. The centriole adjunct in L. zonatus sperm does not give rise to accessory bodies. The ectodermal gland produces a filamentous secretion, whereas in the ectodermal sac, the secretion is globular.