The female millipede reproductive system and its dynamical changes, with a partial review

Abstract

The structure of the millipede female reproductive system is described, discussed and reviewed. The different reproductive systems of female millipedes are illustrated, some of them for the first time. The various families appear to have developed several different structures of this organ. Nevertheless, more detailed studies on the female reproductive systems, especially the changes taking place during the oogenetic cycle, are needed in all millipede orders. Only this way can it be ascertained, whether ovarian structures observed are not only a transitional phase. This was done in two millipedes, Archispirostreptus tumuliporus judaicus (Attems 1927) and Catamicrophyllum caifanum (Verhoeff 1900), where these changes were followed for a longer period of time and on a large number of specimens. The evolutionary meaning of this diversity in reproductive systems cannot be clarified at the present time, nor its significance for the survival of the such diversified forms in the Class Diplopoda.