Morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) iguazu Flint, 1983 (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae).

• Published in: Arthropod Structure & Development
• Main Authors: Ayala Costa, Dayvson, Rezende, Paulo Henrique, Salles, Frederico Falcão, Desidério, Gleison Robson, Dias, Glenda, Lino-Neto, José
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Science 2024
• Subjects: Aflagellated sperm; Aquatic insects; Caddisflies; Light microscopy; Testes; Flint; Vasa; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asd.2024.101344; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38412706

The Trichoptera, holometabolous aquatic insects found worldwide except in Antarctica, exhibit a unique feature in their sperm, which are solely nucleated (eupyrene). Current knowledge on Trichoptera sperm is limited to Old World species. To enhance our understanding of their reproductive biology and contribute to systematic discussions, we describe the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) iguazu Flint, 1983 (Hydropsychidae). This species lacks seminal vesicles, possesses piriform to oval-shaped testes with spermatozoa grouped in apical bundles and dense filamentous material filling other areas. The vasa deferentia are long and a pair of elongated accessory glands displays distinct proximal and distal regions. The relatively short (∼40 μm) spermatozoa are nucleated, aflagellated, and immobile. Further research could explore variations and assess the taxonomic utility of these features for genus identification within Hydropsychidae.