The anatomy and histology of the internal reproductive organs of the sunflower beetle, Zygogramma exclamationis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

The anatomy and histology of the female and male internal reproductive organs of the sunflower beetle, Zygogramma exclamationis (F.), are described. The female system consists of a vagina, bursa copulatrix, common oviduct, lateral oviducts, spermatheca, spermathecal accessory gland, and ovaries. Twelve ovaries examined contained from 23 to 32 telotrophic ovarioles, the average being 27.3. The male system consists of a pair of bilobed testes, a pair of accessory glands, vasa deferentia, and an ejaculatory duct which is bifurcated at its anterior end. Three testes examined contained 34, 36, and 37 sperm tubes, respectively. The basic features of the reproductive systems of Z. exclamationis are similar to those of other Chrysomelidae.