Male reproductive tract and spermatozoa ultrastructure in the grasshopper Orphulella punctata (De Geer, 1773) (Insecta, Orthoptera, Caelifera)

• Published in: Microscopy research and technique 2018-02, Vol.81 (2), p.250-255
• Main Authors: Silva, Daniela Santos Martins, Cossolin, Jamile Fernanda Silva, Pereira, Marcelo Ribeiro, Lino‐Neto, José, Sperber, Carlos Frankl, Serrão, José Eduardo, Diaspro, Alberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Axoneme - ultrastructure; Cell Nucleus - ultrastructure; Chromatin; Derivatives; Flagella; Follicles; Genitalia, Male - anatomy & histology; Geographical distribution; Glycocalyx - ultrastructure; Gomphocerinae; Grasshoppers; Grasshoppers - anatomy & histology; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Mitochondria; Nuclei; Organs; Orphulella; Orthoptera; Polymorphism; reproduction; Reproductive system; Seminal vesicle; Species Specificity; Sperm; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Spermatozoa - ultrastructure; spermiogenesis; Testes; Testis - anatomy & histology; Testis - cytology; Ultrastructure
• ISSN: 1059-910X; 1097-0029
• DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22973

Identification Orphulellini grasshoppers (Acrididae: Gomphocerinae) species has been difficult due to high polymorphism rate. Orphulella Giglio‐Tos, 1894 is a genus with widespread geographical distribution and poor descriptions. Orphulella punctata (De Geer, 1773) has an extensive record of occurrence and available information about the phallic complex, however, there is poor data describing other parts of the male reproductive tract. The objective of this study was characterizes the internal organs of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of O. punctata. Orphulella punctata testes are of Fountain type, each having only four follicles. Spermatozoa into the seminal vesicle are arranged in bundles with c.a. 2320 µm length, with a nucleus 110 µm long. The spermatozoa are covered by a glycocalyx, the nucleus is cylindrical with condensed chromatin and connected to the flagellum by a dense and lamellar centriole adjunct. The axoneme have 9 + 9 + 2 pattern and present two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives. A fibrous net and two flat membranous cisternae fill the space between the axoneme and mitochondrial derivatives. This is the first description of the reproductive system of a Gomphocerinae representative. O. punctata has the lower number of testes follicles and one of the longest spermatozoa among Caelifera. This species share characteristics with other Gomphocerinae, supporting the use of testes characteristics to distinguish Acrididae species.