Eric Schoeters, Monitoraat Wetenschappen, Catholic University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
The spermatheca of social insects is a crucial organ for the survival of their sperm and hence of their communities. A typical spermatheca consists of a sperm storage compartment,,a spermathecal gland, a muscular pump and a previously unstudied part, the spermathecal duct. The latter is important because it actually forms the connection between the spermathecal sperm storage compartment and the common oviduct. In several species, belonging to social wasps (Vespa, hornets), bulldog ants (Myrmecia) and bumblebees, the spermathecal duct is considerably elongate. This observation was the starting point for a histochemical study, in an attempt to gain more insight concerning the biological relevance of such a long spermathecal duct. Tests for proteinaceous substances and lipids did not reveal peculiarities, but bumblebee queens (Bombus terrestris) showed considerable amounts of PAS positive material (whereas this is not found in workers). Most likely, the carbohydrate moiety in the spermathecal duct of queens belonging to different age categories and different reproductive status is necessary as an energy source influencing the activity of spermatozoa (Schoeters E. and Billen J. 2000. J. Insect. Physiol. 46: 1303-1312). In the present study, structural characteristics of the spermathecal duct are discussed, as well as its histochemical properties and ultrastructural features. Previously, the spermathecal duct has been neglected in studies of the spermatheca. We therefore assume that the results of the present study could stimulate further research on that topic.Until now, for what concerns spermathecal functioning in social insects, the best documented case is that of Apis mellifera.
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