A secondary copulatory structure in a female insect: a clasp for a nuptial meal?

Naturwissenschaften. 2002 Mar;89(3):125-7. doi: 10.1007/s00114-002-0298-y.

Abstract

Secondary copulatory structures are well-known in male dragonflies and spiders. Here I report a secondary copulatory organ in female ground weta, Hemiandrus pallitarsis (Ensifera, Orthoptera - crickets and allies). The organ, located on the underside of the abdomen, appears to secure the male's genitalia during the transfer of a spermatophylax nuptial meal to this location, an area quite separate from the female's primary copulatory structures, where the sperm ampulla is attached.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Copulation / physiology
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Orthoptera / anatomy & histology
  • Orthoptera / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology*