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Derdak A, Jędrzejowska I, Mąkol J. An overview of chelicerate ovaries, with special reference to mites - myths and facts. Micron 2023; 167:103417. [PMID: 36773594 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In arthropods of the subphylum Chelicerata a panoistic ovary, in which all germline cells differentiate into oocytes, prevails. Among the chelicerates, mites are believed to show a great variety of the structure of the female gonads. In general, the knowledge of the ovarian structure in mites is fragmentary and patchy. In both evolutionary lines, Acariformes and Parasitiformes, apart from the panoistic ovary, the meroistic ovary, in which the oocytes grow supported by their sibling cells, the nurse cells, occurs. The presence of the meroistic ovary is considered an apomorphic state. Previous studies revealed a various structure of the meroistic ovary in different mite taxa, and the differences came down, inter alia, to a different number and location of the nurse cells in relation to the oocytes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the structure of the Chelicerata ovary, with special reference to the mite ovary. We also provide our preliminary results of the analysis of ovarian structure in two representatives of terrestrial Parasitengona (Acariformes), Allothrombium fuliginosum (Trombidiidae) and Erythraeus cinereus (Erythraeidae), performed using light, confocal and electron transmission microscopy. The analyses allowed for verification of data published before. In A. fuliginosum we showed the presence of the nurse cells in the ovarian wall, so the ovary should be classified as meroistic. In meroistic ovary of E. cinereus we found that each oocyte is connected to several mononucleated nurse cells. The verification of literature data and broadening the knowledge of the structure of the female gonad in mites, will result in estimating the usefulness of the ovary traits in phylogenetic analyses and will provide the basis for inference about the directions of evolutionary changes of female gonad at lower systematic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Derdak
- Department of Animal Developmental Biology, University of Wroclaw, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland,.
| | - Izabela Jędrzejowska
- Department of Animal Developmental Biology, University of Wroclaw, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Mąkol
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
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Zhenhui W, Qi C, Shuo Y, Shuoyu Y, Qin L, Endong W, Bo Z, Jiale L, Xuenong X. Molecular characterization, expression, and function of Vitellogenin genes in Phytoseiulus persimilis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 86:343-356. [PMID: 35239074 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vitellogenin (Vg) is an important factor that impacts oocyte maturation, egg formation and embryonic development in Arthropoda. Two orthologs of Vg gene were obtained from the genome of Phytoseiulus persimilis and termed as PpVg1 and PpVg2. Both orthologs belong to the large lipid transfer protein superfamily. The expression of PpVg1 and PpVg2 was low in immatures and male adults, and increased rapidly in female adults after mating, and reached a peak before the first egg was laid (168× and 20.5× the level in virgin females, respectively). When PpVg1 and PpVg2 were interfered with dsRNA, the relative expression decreased by 81.0 and 30.9%, respectively, and 7.8 and 31.4% interfered individuals died within 24 h. Among surviving individuals, ca. 51.1 and 44.8% are infertile. Factors that might be related to expression of Vg genes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zhenhui
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cai Qi
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Shuo
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Shuoyu
- Beijing Hooseen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Qin
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Endong
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhang Bo
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lv Jiale
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xu Xuenong
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Filimonova S. Female reproductive system and oogenesis in the mite Bakericheyla chanayi. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2021; 62:101047. [PMID: 33770520 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2021.101047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The fine structure of the female reproductive system of a cheyletid mite Bakericheyla chanayi (Trombidiformes: Cheyletidae) is investigated for the first time. This system consists of an unpaired ovary, glandular oviduct, receptaculum seminis, long cuticle-lined vagina, and genital atrium terminating in the genital opening. A separate sperm access system has not been found. The receptaculum seminis opens into the distal oviduct region, where fertilization apparently takes place. The ovary contains clusters of oogonia (cystocytes), clustered early meiotic cells, a few growing previtellogenic oocytes, and 3 large nurse cells. The dorsal ovarian region is occupied by the clusters of bacteriocytes which harbor symbiotic bacteria. Oocytes undergo vitellogenesis in individual ovarian pouches, each connected to the corresponding nurse cell by an intercellular bridge. The fine structure of the bridge suggests transport between the interconnected cells in the course of vitellogenesis. The population of cystocytes was shown to be heterogenic. The electron-light cells enter meiosis and develop into the oocytes or nurse cells. The electron-dense cystocytes do not show meiotic transformation and probably give rise to the bacteriocytes. The early development of the nurse cells and oocytes is similar and accompanied by the blebbing of the nuclear envelope, appearance of nuage material and Balbiani bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Filimonova
- Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
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Di Palma A, Tassi AD, Kitajima EW. On some morphological and ultrastructural features of the insemination system in five species of the genus Brevipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:531-546. [PMID: 32748183 PMCID: PMC7406491 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00526-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The genus Brevipalpus (Tenuipalpidae) includes 291 described species commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions. Morphological characters considered in the taxonomy of Brevipalpus species are difficult to discern, which often leads to erroneous identifications and the presence of cryptic species within species is suspected. New morphological characters are now considered relevant for identification of Brevipalpus species; among them, the morphology of the seminal receptacle (spermatheca) of the female insemination system. This feature has not been considered relevant until now; thus, there is little information about the insemination system in the available species descriptions. Hence, in the present study, ultrastructural details are provided for the insemination system in five species of Brevipalpus, representing different morphological groups. The seminal receptacle (spermatheca) and the insemination duct are illustrated using light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The spermatheca proved to have specific morphological features that can be useful for taxonomic purposes. On the other hand, its appearance within a population might be variable in a way that needs to be ascertained and evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Di Palma
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71100, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Aline D Tassi
- Departamento de Fitopatologia e Nematologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Elliot W Kitajima
- Departamento de Fitopatologia e Nematologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
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Sijia B, Jiale L, Juan X, Dianyi S, Endong W, Guiting L, Xuenong X. RNAi mediated knockdown of RpL11, RpS2, and tra-2 led to reduced reproduction of Phytoseiulus persimilis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 78:505-520. [PMID: 31375950 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phytoseiulus persimilis is one of the most important biological control agents of spider mites. Multiple studies have been conducted on factors affecting its reproduction, but limited research on related molecular mechanisms has been carried out. In this study, RNA interference of three genes, ribosomal protein L11 (RpL11), ribosomal protein S2 (RpS2), and transformer-2 (tra-2), to newly emerged females were performed through oral delivery of double-stranded RNA, and knockdown of target genes was verified using qRT-PCR analysis. When RpL11 or RpS2 was interfered, 42 and 30% P. persimilis individuals either laid no egg or had no egg hatched, whereas the remaining females had their oviposition duration reduced by 31.8 and 49.9%, fecundity reduced by 48.1 and 67.8%, and egg hatching rate reduced by 20.4 and 22.4%, respectively. In addition, offspring sex ratios were significantly male biased especially at low fecundities. When tra-2 was interfered, no significant difference in fecundity was detected, but egg hatching rate reduced by 30.6%. This study verified the possibility of RNA interference in Phytoseiidae through oral delivery, and indicated that RpL11 and RpS2 are involved in egg formation, whereas tra-2 is involved in embryo development in P. persimilis. Phytoseiid mites have different sex determination pathways compared to insects. The present study provides data and evidence at molecular biological level for future research on reproduction and sex determination of phytoseiid mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Sijia
- Institute of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, China
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lv Jiale
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Juan
- Beijing Hooseen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Dianyi
- FeiTai Bio-tech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Endong
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Guiting
- Institute of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, China.
| | - Xu Xuenong
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Jiang X, Lv J, Wang E, Xu X. Spermatophore producing process and sperm transfer in Phytoseiulus persimilis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:11-25. [PMID: 30569394 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0333-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In phytoseiid mites, the spermatophore is an intermediate, isolated structure where sperms are stored during mating. In the present study, the producing process of Phytoseiulus persimilis spermatophore is described in details. Its shape, and the number and shape of sperms inside, are also analyzed, each as affected by coupling time. Based on our results, the spermatophore of P. persimilis is pyriform, and is produced from the male genital opening within 3 min since mating started. When produced, the spermatophore is transferred along the capitular groove to the cheliceral base, where it is adhered to one of the two small holes at the bases of the chelicerae. Seminal fluid passes through the hole, the hollow spermatodactyl, the opening on the spermatodactyl tip, and enters the insemination pore to reach the spermatheca of the female. No sperm was observed in spermatophores obtained 5 min after mating started. The number of sperms increased in the next 10 min, reached its maximum (ca. 52 sperms per spermatophore), and then decreased. All sperms were released in 75 min after mating started. Sperms are slender in shape and on average 3.9 ± 0.3 µm long.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Jiang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiale Lv
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Endong Wang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuenong Xu
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Abstract
The subphylum Chelicerata represents one of the oldest groups among arthropods and comprises more than a dozen orders. Representatives of particular orders differ significantly in their external morphology, reproductive biology, behavior, and structure of internal organs, e.g. of the respiratory system. However, in almost all chelicerates (excluding some mites) the female gonads show a similar architecture. In this chapter, the chelicerate-type ovary structure and the course of oogenesis are described. Structural and functional diversities of the chelicerate-type ovary in non-matrotrophic and matrotrophic arachnids are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Jędrzejowska
- Department of Animal Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wroclaw, Poland.
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Di Palma A, Seeman OD, Alberti G. Complexity, adaptations and variations in the secondary insemination system of female Dermanyssina mites (Acari: Anactinothrichida: Gamasida): the case of Afrocypholaelaps africana. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 72:191-203. [PMID: 28752481 PMCID: PMC5547183 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Gamasine mites, mainly of the taxon Dermanyssina, possess a secondarily evolved insemination system (sperm access system), of which there are two, generally recognized, structurally different types, the laelapid- and the phytoseiid-type. The ultrastructure of the female sperm access system in Afrocypholaelaps africana is described. It consists of paired insemination pores, opening between the bases of legs three and four, and paired cuticle-lined tubules that converge into a large, sack-like spermatheca, remarkably cuticle-lined as well. The entire spermatheca and part of the tubules are embedded in a peculiar syncytial tissue where numerous sperm cells are present. The general organization of this insemination system is of the laelapid-type. However, it presents striking structural differences, compared with the systems described in Varroa destructor and Hattena cometis, the other gamasine mites having a laelapid-type system studied ultrastructurally until now. The functional morphology, complexity and variations of the sperm access system in Dermanyssina are discussed and correlated with the evolutionary biology of the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Palma
- Department of the Science of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71100, Foggia, Italy.
| | - O D Seeman
- Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, Brisbane, Australia
| | - G Alberti
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
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Ullah MS, Sugimoto R, Kongchuensin M, Konvipasruang P, Gotoh T. Copulation duration, sperm transfer and reproduction of the two closely related phytoseiid mites, Neoseiulus womersleyi and Neoseiulus longispinosus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 71:47-61. [PMID: 27943023 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0101-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of copulation duration on reproduction were studied in two important biological control agents, Neoseiulus womersleyi (Schicha) and Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans), to better understand their reproductive potential. The number of eggs produced was significantly and positively related to the copulation duration in both species. Egg production was observed even in females which experienced only 15 min of copulation and increased as copulation period increased in both species. Both pre- and post-oviposition periods of N. womersleyi and N. longispinosus decreased with the increase of copulation durations, and they were significantly different between the two species. Copulation duration had no effect on the female adult longevity of N. womersleyi and N. longispinosus, but N. womersleyi showed higher adult longevity than N. longispinosus. Fecundity remarkably increased in both species when the copulation period exceeded 90 min. The size of the spermatophore inside the spermathecae increased in proportion to the copulation duration in both species. Fecundity was consistent with the sizes of the spermathecae and spermatophores. When copulation was extended, males first filled one spermatheca and then filled the other. The results obtained in this study suggest that copulation duration had similar effects on egg production in N. womersleyi and N. longispinosus. Egg production depended on the quantity of sperm transferred during copulation. The two species have similar reproductive potentials and mating properties under laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shaef Ullah
- Laboratory of Applied Entomology and Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Ibaraki, 300-0393, Japan
| | - Ryouhei Sugimoto
- Laboratory of Applied Entomology and Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Ibaraki, 300-0393, Japan
| | - Manita Kongchuensin
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Ploychompoo Konvipasruang
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Tetsuo Gotoh
- Laboratory of Applied Entomology and Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Ibaraki, 300-0393, Japan.
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Di Palma A, de Moraes GJ, Gerdeman BS, Huber S, Kitajima EW, Alberti G. Ultrastructural and functional adaptations of the female reproductive system in the family Heterozerconidae (Acari, Anactinotrichida, Gamasida, Heterozerconina) and implications for the systematic position of the group. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2015; 44:639-655. [PMID: 26370169 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Heterozerconidae is a poorly known, early derived mite family belonging to Heterozerconina (Monogynaspida, Gamasida (= Mesostigmata)). The systematic position of the family is still controversial and little is known about the biology and anatomy of the taxon. In this paper, the gross anatomy, ultrastructure and functional morphology of the female reproductive system are described comparing genera from different geographic areas. The occurence of podospermy (i.e. the use of a sperm transfer process carried by the fixed digit of the male chelicerae to inseminate females through secondary insemination pores instead of through the oviporus) as insemination mode in this family was documented. Nevertheless, morphological and functional evidence in the reproductive system of the females supports the idea that, in the same family, more than one insemination mode is present: some genera are plesiomorphically tocospemic (i.e. insemination through the oviporus) while others switched to podospermy. Such discovery is of fundamental importance for the determination of the relationship between the family Heterozerconidae and the family Discozerconidae, both belonging tentatively to Heterozerconina and for the phylogenetic position of the Heterozerconina among Gamasida.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Palma
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71100, Foggia, Italy.
| | - G J de Moraes
- Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 13418900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - B S Gerdeman
- Entomology Department, Washington State University, Mount Vernon Northwestern WA Research & Extension Center, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273-4768, United States
| | - S Huber
- Ottenbohlstrasse 12, 88690, Mühlhofen, Germany
| | - E W Kitajima
- Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 13418900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - G Alberti
- Allgemeine und Systematische Zoologie, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
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Witaliński W. Gonads and gametogenesis in astigmatic mites (Acariformes: Astigmata). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2014; 43:323-340. [PMID: 24791694 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Astigmatans are a large group of mites living in nearly every environment and exhibiting very diverse reproductive strategies. In spite of an uniform anatomical organization of their reproductive systems, gametogenesis in each sex is highly variable, leading to gamete formation showing many peculiar features and emphasizing the distinct position of Astigmata. This review summarizes the contemporary knowledge on the structure of ovaries and testes in astigmatic mites, the peculiarities of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, as well as provides new data on several species not studied previously. New questions are discussed and approaches for future studies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Witaliński
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Jędrzejowska I, Szymusiak K, Mazurkiewicz-Kania M, Garbiec A. Differentiation of somatic cells in the ovariuteri of the apoikogenic scorpion Euscorpius italicus (Chelicerata, Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2014; 43:361-370. [PMID: 24322052 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In apoikogenic scorpions, growing oocytes protrude from the gonad (ovariuterus) and develop in follicles exposed to the mesosomal (i.e. hemocoelic) cavity. During subsequent stages of oogenesis (previtellogenesis and vitellogenesis), the follicles are connected to the gonad surface by prominent somatic stalks. The aim of our study was to analyze the origin, structure and functioning of somatic cells accompanying protruding oocytes. We show that these cells differentiate into two morphologically distinct subpopulations: the follicular cells and stalk cells. The follicular cells gather on the hemocoelic (i.e. facing the hemocoel) surface of the oocyte, where they constitute a cuboidal epithelium. The arrangement of the follicular cells on the oocyte surface is not uniform; moreover, the actin cytoskeleton of these cells undergoes significant modifications during oocyte growth. During initial stages of the stalk formation the stalk cells elongate and form F-actin rich cytoplasmic processes by which the stalk cells are tightly connected to each other. Additionally, the stalk cells develop microvilli directed towards the growing oocyte. Our findings indicate that the follicular cells covering hemocoelic surfaces of the oocyte and the stalk cells represent two distinct subpopulations of epithelial cells, which differ in morphology, behavior and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Jędrzejowska
- Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Kamil Szymusiak
- Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Marta Mazurkiewicz-Kania
- Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Arnold Garbiec
- Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland.
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Alberti G, Seeman OD, Di Palma A. Ultrastructure of the male genital tract, spermatogenesis and spermatozoa of Hattena cometis Domrow (Acari: Gamasida: Ameroseiidae). J Morphol 2013; 274:1010-25. [PMID: 23686457 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The ameroseiid mite Hattena cometis has a male genital system that consists of an unpaired, u-shaped testis and paired deferent ducts leading into an unpaired accessory genital gland and ejaculatory duct. The genital opening is located anteriorly immediately in front of the sternal shield. Spermatogenesis is simple, probably due to the haploid nature of the male. Eight stages of spermatogenesis could be roughly distinguished. Mature spermatozoa as found in the deferent duct lumen are peculiar in having a bisected nucleus and numerous peripheral flat chambers, which were formed from indentations of the plasmalemma. In inseminated females, spermatozoa were observed in the syncytial tissue of the sperm access system and in the somatic cells of the ovary. These spermatozoa have achieved a new structure, i.e., an electron-dense plate dividing the cell into two unequal halves. The dense plate has an intricate substructure. Its function is unknown. These sperm cells are considered to represent capacitated spermatozoa. The peripheral chambers are reduced in number inside the female. Similar sperm cells, containing a dense plate, were seen in vacuoles within the epithelium of the deferent duct of one male. These cells are evidently under destruction, but before being completely dissolved had undergone a development leading beyond that of the mature sperm cells found in the deferent duct. Apparently, entering the cell of the deferent duct epithelium or the syncytium tissue triggers the production of the dense plate (or the capacitation process). Our observations are compared with results obtained from other anactinotrichid Acari, mainly Gamasida, and confirm and complete the interpretation of the correlated evolution of components of gamasid reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Alberti
- Allgemeine und Systematische Zoologie, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
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Di Palma A, Seeman O, Alberti G. Ultrastructure investigation of the secondary insemination system of the gamasid mite Hattena cometis domrow (Acari: Anactinotrichida: Ameroseiidae). J Morphol 2013; 274:918-25. [PMID: 23650142 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Many gamasid mites, mainly of the taxon Dermanyssina, possess a secondarily evolved insemination system that is generally described as occurring in two types, the laelapid and the phytoseiid-type, which are structurally considerably different. Considering that Dermanyssina represent the most recent and most diverse group of gamasid mites, it was expected that a greater diversity of insemination system than reflected by the two types could be present and could give an idea of its evolution within the taxon. Here, the authors present a description of the fine-structure of the female secondary insemination system in the dermanyssine mite Hattena cometis. The system consists of a pair of sperm induction pores (solenostomes) and short sperm access ducts (tubules) which end in a syncytium. The syncytial strands of both sides meet medially under the ovary s.str., where they form a spherical syncytial spermatheca. Mature sperm cells of a modified ribbon type were seen in the syncytial parts of the system. The insemination system of Hattena cometis is regarded as a modification of the laelapid type. However, it is much simpler than that of Varroa destructor, the only other gamasid mite with the laelapid type studied ultrastructurally until now, and shows also some structural differences (e.g., no presence of an unpaired sperm duct). Hence, the present study suggests that some intermediate types might be revealed in future ultrastructure studies representing steps in the evolution of the insemination system in the Dermanyssina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Di Palma
- Department of the Science of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71100 Foggia, Italy.
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Jędrzejowska I, Mazurkiewicz-Kania M, Garbiec A, Kubrakiewicz J. Differentiation and function of the ovarian somatic cells in the pseudoscorpion, Chelifer cancroides (Linnaeus, 1761) (Chelicerata: Arachnida: Pseudoscorpionida). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2013; 42:27-36. [PMID: 23000464 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Pseudoscorpion females carry fertilized eggs and embryos in specialized brood sacs, where embryos are fed with a nutritive fluid produced and secreted by somatic ovarian cells. We used various microscopic techniques to analyze the organization of the somatic cells in the ovary of a pseudoscorpion, Chelifer cancroides. In young specimens, the ovary is a cylindrical mass of internally located germline cells (oogonia and early previtellogenic oocytes) and two types of somatic cells: the epithelial cells of the ovarian wall and the internal interstitial cells. In subsequent stages of the ovary development, the oocytes grow and protrude from the ovary into the hemocoel (opisthosomal cavity). At the same time the interstitial cells differentiate into the follicular cells that directly cover the oocyte surface, whereas some epithelial cells of the ovarian wall form the oocyte stalks - tubular structures that connect the oocytes with the ovarian tube. The follicular cells do not seem to participate in oogenesis. In contrast, the cells of the stalk presumably have a dual function. During ovulation the stalk cells appear to contribute to the formation of the external egg envelope (chorion), while in the post-ovulatory phase of ovary function they cooperate with the other cells of the ovarian wall in the production of the nutritive fluid for the developing embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Jędrzejowska
- Institute of Experimental Biology, Department of Animal Developmental Biology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland.
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Peralta Quesada PC, Schausberger P. Prenatal chemosensory learning by the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus. PLoS One 2012; 7:e53229. [PMID: 23300897 PMCID: PMC3530487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal or embryonic learning, behavioral change following experience made prior to birth, may have significant consequences for postnatal foraging behavior in a wide variety of animals, including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and molluscs. However, prenatal learning has not been previously shown in arthropods such as insects, spiders and mites. Methodology/Principal Findings We examined prenatal chemosensory learning in the plant-inhabiting predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus. We exposed these predators in the embryonic stage to two flavors (vanillin or anisaldehyde) or no flavor (neutral) by feeding their mothers on spider mite prey enriched with these flavors or not enriched with any flavor (neutral). After the predators reached the protonymphal stage, we assessed their prey choice through residence and feeding preferences in experiments, in which they were offered spider mites matching the maternal diet (neutral, vanillin or anisaldehyde spider mites) and non-matching spider mites. Predator protonymphs preferentially resided in the vicinity of spider mites matching the maternal diet irrespective of the type of maternal diet and choice situation. Across treatments, the protonymphs preferentially fed on spider mites matching the maternal diet. Prey and predator sizes did not differ among neutral, vanillin and anisaldehyde treatments, excluding the hypothesis that size-assortative predation influenced the outcome of the experiments. Conclusions/Significance Our study reports the first example of prenatal learning in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo C. Peralta Quesada
- Group of Arthropod Ecology and Behavior, Division of Plant Protection, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Schausberger
- Group of Arthropod Ecology and Behavior, Division of Plant Protection, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Di Palma A, Alberti G, Błaszak C, Krantz G. Morphological and functional adaptations of the female reproductive system in Veigaiidae (Acari: Gamasida) and implications regarding the systematic position of the family. ZOOL ANZ 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Cabrera AR, Donohue KV, Roe RM. Regulation of female reproduction in mites: a unifying model for the Acari. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 55:1079-1090. [PMID: 19698719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2009] [Revised: 08/11/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
It is well established in the literature that circulating high levels of juvenile hormone (JH) are responsible for the initiation of vitellogenesis and female reproduction in most insects studied so far. Exceptions include some Diptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. The current view is that JH also regulates yolk protein (vitellogenin, Vg) synthesis and female reproduction in mites. However, there is no published evidence that mites have the common insect JHs at any stage of their development. Also, research on the effects of exogenous applications of JH and JH analogs on the reproduction of mites is contradictory. Significant information is available on the life history of mite reproduction, and new information has become available on mite storage proteins including Vg. Although initial studies suggested that ticks may respond to exogenously applied juvenile hormone or anti-JHs, current research shows that ticks cannot synthesize the common insect JHs and have no detectable levels of these hormones in their hemolymph during female reproduction. In ticks, it appears that ecdysteroids, and not JH, regulate expression of the Vg gene and the synthesis and release of Vg protein into the hemolymph. In fact within the Arthropoda, JH has been found only in insects. Methyl farnesoate and not JH regulates Vg synthesis in the Crustacea, the sister group to the insects. Based on this evidence, a new working hypothesis is proposed, i.e., that ecdysteroids and not the JHs regulate vitellogenesis in the Acari including both ticks and mites. To the present, the role of neuropeptides in the regulation of female reproduction in mites is not known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Cabrera
- North Carolina State University, Department of Entomology, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Toyoshima S, Michalik P, Talarico G, Klann AE, Alberti G. Effects of starvation on reproduction of the predacious mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2009; 47:235-247. [PMID: 18987979 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-008-9211-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Effects of starvation on gravid females of Neoseiulus californicus were investigated at 20 degrees C and 85% RH. When females that had been reared with abundant prey were swapped, just after laying their first egg, to conditions without any prey and water, they laid 1.8 eggs and survived for 4.3 days. In the body of well-fed females, an egg with eggshell and/or two oocytes were observed in the ventral and dorsal regions, respectively. The larger oocyte had two roundish nuclei and abundant yolk granules, and was enveloped with a vitelline membrane. These two nuclei were not fused but were just close to each other. The smaller oocyte had a nucleus, but had not yet formed yolk granules and vitelline membrane. Females after 12 h starvation had an egg in the ventral region and an oocyte in the dorsal region of the body. After more than 24 h starvation females maintained an oocyte in the dorsal region of the body, but had no egg in the ventral region. The oocyte was filled with abundant yolk granules and contained two irregular nuclei when females were starved for 24 h, but when starved for more than 36 h it contained one irregular nucleus. These findings suggest that (1) gravid females maintained an oocyte in the dorsal region after laying two eggs during starvation, (2) the oocyte was not absorbed during starvation, (3) the oocyte advanced vitellogenesis and the fusion of two nuclei, and (4) the vitellogenic oocyte was not enveloped with an eggshell and had not started embryogenesis.
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Michalik P, Reiher W, Tintelnot-Suhm M, Coyle FA, Alberti G. Female genital system of the folding-trapdoor spiderAntrodiaetus unicolor (Hentz, 1842) (Antrodiaetidae, Araneae): Ultrastructural study of form and function with notes on reproductive biology of spiders. J Morphol 2005; 263:284-309. [PMID: 15672391 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The genitalia of the female folding-trapdoor spider Antrodiaetus unicolor are characterized by two pairs of spermathecae that are arranged in a single row and connected to the roof of the bursa copulatrix. Each single spermatheca is divided into three main parts: stalk, bowl, and bulb, which are surrounded by the spermathecal gland. The epithelium of the spermathecal gland is underlain by a muscle meshwork and consists of different types of cells partly belonging to glandular cell units (Class 3 gland cells) that extend into pores in the cuticle of the stalk and bowl. Interestingly, the bulb lacks glandular pores and is characterized by a weakly sclerotized cuticle. This peculiarly structured bulb probably plays an important role in the discharge of the sperm mass. It is suggested that by contraction of the muscle layer the sperm mass may be squeezed out, when the bulb invaginates and expands into the spermathecal lumen, pushing the sperm to the uterus lumen. Each glandular unit consists of usually one or two central secretory cells that are for the most part surrounded by a connecting cell that again is surrounded by a canal cell. The canal cell, finally, is separated from the other epithelial cells (intercalary cells) located between the glandular units by several thin sheath cells that form the outer enveloping layer of the unit. The secretions are released through a cuticular duct that originates proximally between the apical part of the connecting cell and the apical microvilli of the secretory cells and runs into a pore of the spermathecal cuticle. The glandular products of the Class 3 gland cells likely contribute to the conditions allowing long-term storage of the spermatozoa in this species. Details regarding the ovary, the uterus internus, and the uterus externus are reported. Most of the secretion that composes the chorion of the egg is produced in the ovary. Glandular cell units observed in the uterus externus differ structurally from those in the spermathecae and likely play a different role. Finally, we briefly discuss our results on the female genitalia of A. unicolor in the light of knowledge about the reproductive biology of spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Michalik
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany.
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Abstract
Sperm dimorphism is a rare phenomenon in Chelicerata. Until now, it was known only from three species of the opilionid genus Siro (Sironidae, Cyphophthalmi). Fertilizing (eusperm) and nonfertilizing spermatozoa (parasperm) develop in the same cyst and are thus sister cells. The fine structure of the spermatozoa of two species has been examined and is compared here. In contrast to Siro rubens, S. duricorius spermatozoa lack an acrosomal complex. Both sperm types produce a transitional process, a more or less modified flagellum, which is later retracted. Hence, the spermatozoa are aflagellate. Eusperm and parasperm of all three species form highly ordered sperm balls that are stored in the deferent duct. Reviewing and adding new results about the sperm dimorphism in this arachnid taxon provides the basis for some considerations of another enigmatic morphological character found in Uropygi and Amblypygi, i.e., the tubular accessory genital glands that show holocrine extrusion. These glands are suggested to represent modified, infertile derivatives of the testis anlage. Their secretion is produced in a way reminiscent of a strongly degenerated spermatogenesis. Consequently, these products may be regarded as strongly degenerated germ cells representing a line of germ cell development, which has been separated very early in spermatogenesis from the usual line leading to fertilizing sperm cells. This further, although less evident, case of probable dichotomous germ cell development is discussed with respect to the controversial phylogenetic-systematic relationships between Uropygi (Thelyphonida and Schizomida), Amblypygi, and Araneae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Alberti
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Germany.
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