The insect spermatheca: an overview

• Published in: Zoology (Jena) 2017-04, Vol.121, p.56-71
• Main Authors: Pascini, Tales V., Martins, Gustavo F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Survival - physiology; Female; Genitalia, Female - anatomy & histology; Insect spermatheca; Insecta - physiology; Male; Reproduction; Reproduction - physiology; Reproductive system; Sperm; Spermatozoa; Spermatozoa - physiology
• ISSN: 0944-2006; 1873-2720
• DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2016.12.001

•The insect spermatheca receives, maintains, and releases sperm to fertilize eggs.•Most insects have one spermatheca, although the number varies among taxa.•The morphology of the spermatheca varies according to insect species.•The spermatheca has the following parts: duct, reservoir and spermathecal gland.•The sperm are nourished by secretions from both male accessory glands and spermathecal glands. In the female insect, the spermatheca is an ectodermal organ responsible for receiving, maintaining, and releasing sperm to fertilize eggs. The number and morphology of spermathecae vary according to species. Within the spermathecal lumen, substances in the semen and secretions from the spermathecal gland nourish the sperm. Thus, the spermatheca provides an appropriate environment that ensures the long-term viability of sperm. Maintaining sperm viability for long periods within the spermatheca is crucial for insect reproductive success; however, the details of this process remain poorly understood. This review examines several aspects of and gaps in the current understanding of spermatheca biology, including morphology, function, reservoir filling, development, and biochemistry. Despite the importance of the spermatheca in insects, there is little information on the gland secretions and their role in the maintenance and protection of male gametes. Furthermore, in this review, we highlight the current information on spermathecal gland secretions and the likely roles they play in the maintenance and protection of sperm.