Ultrastructure of the reproductive system of the house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus (Acari, Pyroglyphidae) with remarks on spermatogenesis and oogenesis.

Abstract

Several parts of the reproductive system of both sexes of Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus are investigated and compared by light-, scanning electron-, and transmission electron microscopy. New techniques have been employed for scanning of the internal structures of these mites. The male reproductive system consists of unpaired testis, paired vasa deferentia, an accessory gland, ejaculatory duct, and copulatory organ. The female reproductive system consists of bursa copulatrix, ductus bursae, receptaculum seminis, paired ducti receptaculi, ovaries, oviducts, one chorion gland, ovipositor, and oviporus. Testis as well as ovaries are characterized by syncytia of nutritional function. The specifics of spermatogenesis are discussed in connection with sperm transfer. Similarities between the construction of the ovaries and oogenesis in astigmatic mites and telotrophic meroistic ovaries in insects are discussed.