Two different patterns of interrupted spermatogenesis in winter diapause and summer quiescence in the desert beetle, Omorgus freyi.

Abstract

Spermatogenesis discontinues during both adult reproductive diapause and quiescence in the flightless males of Omorgus freyi. During both types of dormancy, spermatogenesis discontinuity is a dynamic process involving an uninterrupted supply of primary spermatocytes that undergoes partial development and lyses before spermatozoa can be formed. Notwithstanding this common feature, the pattern of discontinuity differs between the two kinds of dormancy. During reproductive diapause, spermatozoa and late spermatids are the first cells that lyse; after diapause break, spermatozoa are produced anew. During quiescence, in contrast, the first indication of discontinuity is the degeneration of late primary spermatocytes; spermatozoa apparently remain intact for a while but eventually degenerate as well. Therefore, males returning to sexual activity after a short period of quiescence may still have spermatozoa capable of fertilization. However, following a long period of quiescence, spermatozoa will be absent and must be produced anew, as in postdiapausing males. The existence of two different patterns of spermatogenesis discontinuity may indicate that each is controlled differently by the endocrine system, in response to the different environmental conditions inducing quiescence or diapause. Dual control of discontinuity may contribute to the high reproductive potential of these flightless beetles, under unpredictable and extreme desert conditions. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.