THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE MALE AND FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS OF THE MIDGE, CHIRONOMUS PLUMOSUS L.

Abstract

In both the male and female adult midge, the posterior three abdominal segments are modified for the reproductive function, and the musculature of these segments is modified accordingly. Main features of the male internal reproductive system are testes consisting of one sperm tube each, in which spermatogenesis is complete, and a glandular ejaculatory duct of four sections. The muscles of the posterior pregenital segments are modified for torsion. The muscles of the terminalia are described. Those of the ninth segment are greatly modified for the genital function. The female has numerous three-chambered polytrophic ovarioles extending radially from a common central egg passage in the ovary, and there is a single accessory gland. The muscles of the female terminalia are described. The reproductive system of several specimens parasitized by a nematode worm is discussed.