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Bollatti F, Dederichs TM, Peretti AV, Laborda Á, Postiglioni R, Aisenberg A, Michalik P. Reproductive diapause influences spermatogenesis and testes' size in the diplochronous wolf spider Allocosa senex (Lycosidae, Araneae) - A case study using a non-experimental approach. ZOOLOGY 2023; 159:126103. [PMID: 37422954 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2023.126103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Seasonality considerably impacts on the life of organisms and leads to numerous evolutionary adaptations. Some species face seasonal changes by entering a diapause during different life stages. During adulthood, a diapause in the non-reproductive period can affect male gametogenesis as, for example, it occurs in insects. Spiders are distributed worldwide and show a variety of life cycles. However, data on spiders' life cycles and seasonal adaptations are limited. Here, we explored the effect of reproductive diapause in a seasonal spider for the first time. We used the South American sand-dwelling spider Allocosa senex as a model as this species is diplochronous, meaning that individuals live two reproductive seasons, with juveniles and adults overwintering in burrows. It has been observed that individuals of this species reduce their metabolism during the non-reproductive season, diminishing prey consumption and locomotion to a minimum. This species is also well-known for exhibiting wandering and courting females and sedentary males. We analyzed spermatogenesis throughout the male's life cycle and described the male's reproductive system and spermiogenesis using light and transmission electron microscopy. We found that spermatogenesis in A. senex is asynchronous and continuous. However, when males face the non-reproductive season, the late spermatogenic stages and spermatozoa decline, causing an interruption but not a total arrest of this process. This seasonality is also reflected in smaller testes' size in males from the non-reproductive season than in other periods. The mechanisms and constraints are unknown, but they could be related to the metabolic depression during this life cycle period. Since sex-role reversal apparently sets a low-intensity sperm competition scenario compared with other wolf spiders, surviving two reproductive seasons may balance mating opportunities by distributing them between both periods. Thus, the partial interruption of spermatogenesis during diapause could allow new mating encounters during the second reproductive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedra Bollatti
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Tim M Dederichs
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alfredo V Peretti
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Álvaro Laborda
- Sección Entomología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rodrigo Postiglioni
- Departamento de Ecología y Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Anita Aisenberg
- Departamento de Ecología y Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Peter Michalik
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, Germany
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Dederichs TM, Huber BA, Michalik P. Evolutionary morphology of sperm in pholcid spiders (Pholcidae, Synspermiata). BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:52. [PMID: 37170331 PMCID: PMC10127419 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00148-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Pholcidae represent one of the largest and most diverse spider families and have been subject to various studies regarding behavior and reproductive biology. In contrast to the solid knowledge on phylogeny and general reproductive morphology, the primary male reproductive system is strongly understudied, as it has been addressed only for few species. Those studies however suggested a high diversity of sperm and seminal secretions across the family. To address this disparity and reconstruct the evolution of sperm traits, we investigate the primary male reproductive system of pholcid spiders by means of light, X-ray, and transmission electron microscopy using a comprehensive taxon sampling with 46 species from 33 genera, representing all five subfamilies.
Results
Our data show a high disparity of sperm morphology and seminal secretions within pholcids. We document several sperm characters that are unique for pholcids, such as a helical band (Pholcinae) or a lamellate posterior centriolar adjunct material (Modisiminae). Character mapping revealed several putative synapomorphies for individual taxa. With regard to sperm transfer forms, we found that synspermia occur only in the subfamily Ninetinae, whereas the other subfamilies have cleistospermia. In several species with cleistospermia, we demonstrate that spermatids remain fused until late stages of spermiogenesis before ultimately separating shortly before the coiling process. Additionally, we explored the previously hypothesized correlation between sperm size and minimum diameter of the spermophor in the male palpal organ. We show that synspermia differ strongly in size whereas cleistospermia are rather uniform, but neither transfer form is positively correlated with the diameter of the spermophor.
Conclusions
Our data revealed a dynamic evolution of sperm characters, with convergences across all subfamilies and a high level of homoplasy. The present diversity can be related to subfamily level and allows for assignments of specific subtypes of spermatozoa. Our observations support the idea that Ninetinae are an ancestral clade within Pholcidae that have retained synspermia and that synspermia represent the ancestral sperm transfer form of Pholcidae.
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Cargnelutti F, Calbacho-Rosa L, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Peretti AV. Successive matings affect copulatory courtship but not sperm transfer in a spider model. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that males augment their reproductive success by increasing the number of females with which they copulate, and that such copulations are not energetically demanding in terms of trivial sperm production costs. However, we now know that males do pay reproductive costs. As males mate successively, a reduction in the performance of copulatory behaviours would be expected, as well as in the number of sperm transferred. Here we compared the duration of courtship, mating and post-insemination phase, the number of genital and non-genital copulatory courtship occurrences, and the number of sperm transferred in successive matings in Holocnemus pluchei spider males. As matings increased in males, there was no effect on the duration of courtship, mating or post-insemination phase. Interestingly, genital copulatory courtship varied in successive copulations depending on male size, but there was no change in the number of sperm transferred. In addition, the occurrence of non-genital copulatory courtship decreased along successive copulations. The negative effects of successive matings on copulatory courtship indicate that these behaviours are costly for males, except for the number of sperm transferred. Our research lays the foundation for future studies on male costs as a function of mating history in spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Cargnelutti
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lucia Calbacho-Rosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. Postal 70-275, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alfredo Vicente Peretti
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (CONICET), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Córdoba, Argentina
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Zhang F, Chen X, Zeng C, Wen L, Zhao Y, Peng Y. Modest sexual size dimorphism and allometric growth: a study based on growth and gonad development in the wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae). Biol Open 2021; 10:273630. [PMID: 34889957 PMCID: PMC8679722 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is a notable phenomenon in terrestrial animals, and it is correlated with unusual morphological traits. To date, the underlying sex-specific growth strategies throughout the ontogenetic stage of spiders are poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively investigated how the growth trajectories and gonad development shaped SSD in the wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae). We also hypothesized the potential growth allometry among the carapace, abdomen, and gonads of spiders in both sexes. By measuring the size of the carapace and abdomen, investigating developmental duration and growth rate, describing the gonadal sections, and calculating the area of gonads at all instars from hatching to maturity, we demonstrated that SSD results from sex-specific growth strategies. Our results indicated that the growth and developmental differences between both sexes appeared at early life stages, and there was allometric growth in the carapace, abdomen, and gonads between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Chi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Lelei Wen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, College of Life Science and Technology, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan 432000, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
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Trębicki Ł, Patoleta BM, Dabert M, Żabka M. Redescription of type species of the genus Cytaea Keyserling, 1882 (Araneae: Salticidae) – an integrative approach. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2021.1961029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ł. Trębicki
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Poland
| | - B. M. Patoleta
- Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Poland
| | - M. Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland
| | - M. Żabka
- Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Poland
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Sentenská L, Neumann A, Lubin Y, Uhl G. Functional morphology of immature mating in a widow spider. Front Zool 2021; 18:19. [PMID: 33902650 PMCID: PMC8074507 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mating generally occurs after individuals reach adulthood. In many arthropods including spiders, the adult stage is marked by a final moult after which the genitalia are fully developed and functional. In several widow spider species (genus Latrodectus), however, immature females may mate a few days before they moult to adulthood, i.e. in their late-subadult stage. While the “adult” mating typically results in cannibalism, males survive the “immature” mating. During both “immature” and “adult” matings, males leave parts of their paired copulatory organs within female genitalia, which may act as mating plugs. To study potential costs and benefits of the two mating tactics, we investigated female genital morphology of the brown widow spider, L. geometricus. Light microscopy, histology and micro-computed tomography of early-subadult, late-subadult and adult females were conducted to determine the overall pattern of genital maturation. We compared genitalia of mated late-subadult and adult females to reveal potential differences in the genitalic details that might indicate differential success in sperm transfer and different environments for sperm storage and sperm competition. Results We found that the paired sperm storage organs (spermathecae) and copulatory ducts are developed already in late-subadult females and host sperm after immature mating. However, the thickness of the spermathecal cuticle and the staining of the secretions inside differ significantly between the late-subadult and adult females. In late-subadult females mating plugs were found with higher probability in both spermathecae compared to adult females. Conclusions Sperm transfer in matings with late-subadult females follows the same route as in matings with adult females. The observed differences in the secretions inside the spermathecae of adult and late-subadult females likely reflect different storage conditions for the transferred sperm which may lead to a disadvantage under sperm competition if the subadult female later re-mates with another male. However, since males mating with late-subadult females typically transfer sperm to both spermathecae they might benefit from numerical sperm competition as well as from monopolizing access to the female sperm storage organs. The assessment of re-mating probability and relative paternity will clarify the costs and benefits of the two mating tactics in light of these findings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12983-021-00404-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Sentenská
- Department of General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Strasse 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany. .,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Aileen Neumann
- Department of General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Strasse 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Yael Lubin
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Israel
| | - Gabriele Uhl
- Department of General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Strasse 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
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Cordellier M, Schneider JM, Uhl G, Posnien N. Sex differences in spiders: from phenotype to genomics. Dev Genes Evol 2020; 230:155-172. [PMID: 32052129 PMCID: PMC7127994 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-020-00657-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction is pervasive in animals and has led to the evolution of sexual dimorphism. In most animals, males and females show marked differences in primary and secondary sexual traits. The formation of sex-specific organs and eventually sex-specific behaviors is defined during the development of an organism. Sex determination processes have been extensively studied in a few well-established model organisms. While some key molecular regulators are conserved across animals, the initiation of sex determination is highly diverse. To reveal the mechanisms underlying the development of sexual dimorphism and to identify the evolutionary forces driving the evolution of different sexes, sex determination mechanisms must thus be studied in detail in many different animal species beyond the typical model systems. In this perspective article, we argue that spiders represent an excellent group of animals in which to study sex determination mechanisms. We show that spiders are sexually dimorphic in various morphological, behavioral, and life history traits. The availability of an increasing number of genomic and transcriptomic resources and functional tools provides a great starting point to scrutinize the extensive sexual dimorphism present in spiders on a mechanistic level. We provide an overview of the current knowledge of sex determination in spiders and propose approaches to reveal the molecular and genetic underpinnings of sexual dimorphism in these exciting animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Cordellier
- Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Jutta M Schneider
- Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Gabriele Uhl
- Zoological Institute and Museum, Research Group General and Systematic Zoology, Universität Greifswald, Loitzer Straße 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Nico Posnien
- Department of Developmental Biology, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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Schendel V, Junghanns A, Bilde T, Uhl G. Comparative female genital morphology in Stegodyphus spiders (Araneae: Eresidae). ZOOL ANZ 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Mating-induced sexual inhibition in the jumping spider Servaea incana (Araneae: Salticidae): A fast-acting and long-lasting effect. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184940. [PMID: 29045411 PMCID: PMC5646760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mating-induced sexual inhibition has been studied extensively as an important facet of many insect mating systems but remains little understood in spiders. Once mated, females of many spider species become unreceptive and aggressive toward males, but the speed of onset and persistence of this effect are not known. Addressing this gap, the present study considers (1) mating tendency of virgins, latency to remating, and lifetime mating frequency and (2) how quickly sexual inhibition is expressed after the first mating in female Servaea incana jumping spiders. Encounters between males and females took place in two contexts that simulated locations where mating occurs in nature: in the light away from nests ('in the open') and in low light within the shelter of silken retreats ('at a retreat'). Virgin females exhibited high receptivity levels in both contexts but sexual inhibition was induced immediately after their first copulation. The most common tendency was for just one mating in a lifetime, and few females mated more than twice. Context also had an effect on female mating tendency, as virgin females in the open rejected more males before accepting their first mate than did virgin females in retreats. Considering only those females that did remate, females in the open tended to reject fewer males before remating. Given low levels of female remating, virgin females appear to be at a premium for male reproductive fitness in S. incana jumping spiders and this is a likely explanation for protandry found in nature.
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Correa-Garhwal SM, Chaw RC, Clarke TH, Ayoub NA, Hayashi CY. Silk gene expression of theridiid spiders: implications for male-specific silk use. ZOOLOGY 2017; 122:107-114. [PMID: 28536006 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spiders (order Araneae) rely on their silks for essential tasks, such as dispersal, prey capture, and reproduction. Spider silks are largely composed of spidroins, members of a protein family that are synthesized in silk glands. As needed, silk stored in silk glands is extruded through spigots on the spinnerets. Nearly all studies of spider silks have been conducted on females; thus, little is known about male silk biology. To shed light on silk use by males, we compared silk gene expression profiles of mature males to those of females from three cob-web weaving species (Theridiidae). We de novo assembled species-specific male transcriptomes from Latrodectus hesperus, Latrodectus geometricus, and Steatoda grossa followed by differential gene expression analyses. Consistent with their complement of silk spigots, male theridiid spiders express appreciable amounts of aciniform, major ampullate, minor ampullate, and pyriform spidroin genes but not tubuliform spidroin genes. The relative expression levels of particular spidroin genes varied between sexes and species. Because mature males desert their prey-capture webs and become cursorial in their search for mates, we anticipated that major ampullate (dragline) spidroin genes would be the silk genes most highly expressed by males. Indeed, major ampullate spidroin genes had the highest expression in S. grossa males. However, minor ampullate spidroin genes were the most highly expressed spidroin genes in L. geometricus and L. hesperus males. Our expression profiling results suggest species-specific adaptive divergence of silk use by male theridiids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Crystal Chaw
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Thomas H Clarke
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA; J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
| | - Nadia A Ayoub
- Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA.
| | - Cheryl Y Hayashi
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA.
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A comparative morphological study of the epiandrous apparatus in mygalomorph spiders (Araneae, Mygalomorphae). Micron 2017; 93:9-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Exploiting a moment of weakness: male spiders escape sexual cannibalism by copulating with moulting females. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16928. [PMID: 26607497 PMCID: PMC4660273 DOI: 10.1038/srep16928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual cannibalism is a particularly extreme example of conflict between the sexes, depriving the male of future reproduction. Theory predicts that sexual conflict should induce counter-adaptations in the victim. Observations of male spiders mating with moulting and hence largely immobile females suggest that this behaviour functions to circumvent female control and cannibalism. However, we lack quantitative estimates of natural frequencies and fitness consequences of these unconventional matings. To understand the importance of mating while moulting in cannibalistic mating systems, we combined mating experiments and paternity assessment in the laboratory with extensive field observations using the sexually cannibalistic orb-web spider Argiope bruennichi. Copulations with moulting females resulted in 97% male survival compared with only 20% in conventional matings. Mating while moulting provided similar paternity benefits compared with conventional matings. Our findings support the hypothesis that mating with moulting females evolved under sexual conflict and safely evades sexual cannibalism. Despite male benefits, natural frequencies were estimated around 44% and directly predicted by a male guarding a subadult female. Since only adult females signal their presence, the difficulty for males to locate subadult females might limit further spreading of mating with moulting females.
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Lipke E, Michalik P. Evolutionary Morphology of the Primary Male Reproductive System and Spermatozoa of Goblin Spiders (Oonopidae; Araneae). BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 2015. [DOI: 10.1206/906.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Ceballos L, Jones TM, Elgar MA. Patterns of Sperm Transfer in the Golden Orb-WeaverNephila edulis. Ethology 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Ceballos
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Departamento de Biología Comparada; Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México Mexico
| | - Therésa M. Jones
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Mark A. Elgar
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
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Michalik P, Ramírez MJ. Evolutionary morphology of the male reproductive system, spermatozoa and seminal fluid of spiders (Araneae, Arachnida)--current knowledge and future directions. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2014; 43:291-322. [PMID: 24907603 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The male reproductive system and spermatozoa of spiders are known for their high structural diversity. Spider spermatozoa are flagellate and males transfer them to females in a coiled and encapsulated state using their modified pedipalps. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the present state of knowledge of the primary male reproductive system, sperm morphology and the structural diversity of seminal fluids with a focus on functional and evolutionary implications. Secondly, we conceptualized characters for the male genital system, spermiogenesis and spermatozoa for the first time based on published and new data. In total, we scored 40 characters for 129 species from 56 families representing all main spider clades. We obtained synapomorphies for several taxa including Opisthothelae, Araneomorphae, Dysderoidea, Scytodoidea, Telemidae, Linyphioidea, Mimetidae, Synotaxidae and the Divided Cribellum Clade. Furthermore, we recovered synspermia as a synapomorphy for ecribellate Haplogynae and thus propose Synspermiata as new name for this clade. We hope that these data will not only contribute to future phylogenetic studies but will also stimulate much needed evolutionary studies of reproductive systems in spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Michalik
- Allgemeine und Systematische Zoologie, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, J.-S.-Bach-Straße 11/12, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Martín J Ramírez
- Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" - CONICET, Av. Angel Gallardo 470, 1405 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Modanu M, Michalik P, Andrade MCB. Mating system does not predict permanent sperm depletion in black widow spiders. Evol Dev 2013; 15:205-12. [PMID: 23607304 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Variation in sperm production is strongly influenced by mating system across taxa. Recent work in spiders suggests that males of some species show termination of spermatogenesis before their adult molt and thus an inability to produce sperm after maturation. This permanent sperm depletion (PSD) has been hypothesized to co-occur with monogyny, genital mutilation, or sexual cannibalism because the maintenance of continual sperm supplies is not necessary for species where males can expect only one mating opportunity. Here we test this hypothesis in two congeners exhibiting genital mutilation: the sexually cannibalistic, monogynous Australian redback spider Latrodectus hasselti and the polygynous Western black widow Latrodectus hesperus. We report that PSD does not occur in adult males of either species, and show that males transfer sperm into their copulatory organs multiple times as adults. These data suggest evolutionary links between mating system and investment in sperm production may be more complex than currently appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Modanu
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Vöcking O, Uhl G, Michalik P. Sperm dynamics in spiders (Araneae): ultrastructural analysis of the sperm activation process in the garden spider Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772). PLoS One 2013; 8:e72660. [PMID: 24039790 PMCID: PMC3765205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Storage of sperm inside the female genital tract is an integral phase of reproduction in many animal species. The sperm storage site constitutes the arena for sperm activation, sperm competition and female sperm choice. Consequently, to understand animal mating systems information on the processes that occur from sperm transfer to fertilization is required. Here, we focus on sperm activation in spiders. Male spiders produce sperm whose cell components are coiled within the sperm cell and that are surrounded by a proteinaceous sheath. These inactive and encapsulated sperm are transferred to the female spermathecae where they are stored for later fertilization. We analyzed the ultrastructural changes of sperm cells during residency time in the female genital system of the orb-web spider Argiope bruennichi. We found three clearly distinguishable sperm conditions: encapsulated sperm (secretion sheath present), decapsulated (secretion sheath absent) and uncoiled sperm (cell components uncoiled, presumably activated). After insemination, sperm remain in the encapsulated condition for several days and become decapsulated after variable periods of time. A variable portion of the decapsulated sperm transforms rapidly to the uncoiled condition resulting in a simultaneous occurrence of decapsulated and uncoiled sperm. After oviposition, only decapsulated and uncoiled sperm are left in the spermathecae, strongly suggesting that the activation process is not reversible. Furthermore, we found four different types of secretion in the spermathecae which might play a role in the decapsulation and activation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Vöcking
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Department of General and Systematic Zoology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gabriele Uhl
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Department of General and Systematic Zoology, Greifswald, Germany
- * E-mail: (GU); (PM)
| | - Peter Michalik
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Department of General and Systematic Zoology, Greifswald, Germany
- * E-mail: (GU); (PM)
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Copulatory behavior in a pholcid spider: males use specialized genitalic movements for sperm removal and copulatory courtship. Naturwissenschaften 2013; 100:407-16. [PMID: 23571707 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-013-1038-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Sexual selection may operate on pre-copulatory, copulatory, and post-copulatory traits. An example of a copulatory target of sexual selection is the genitalic movements a male performs during copulation. These movements may function either to prevent sperm competition or to influence a female's fertilization decision. Here we investigated how copulation duration, pedipalp movements, and abdominal movements that males of the pholcid spider Holocnemus pluchei produce during copulation influence sperm removal and/or patterns of successful sperm transfer. We compared mating events with virgin and mated females for differences in copulatory and post-copulatory behavior. We expected longer copulation duration, longer pedipalp movement duration, and more complex and frequent pedipalp and abdominal movements when males mated with mated females compared to virgin females. Except for abdominal movements, our results corroborated these predictions. Furthermore, when we investigated mating events with mated females, we observed sperm mass ejection from the female gonopore and physical removal of sperm by males' procursi. Females with interrupted second mating events showed a significant reduction of stored sperm masses compared to females with completed mating events. We suggest that males use alternating pedipalp movements to remove most of the rival sperm stored by mated females prior to sperm transfer. Copulation duration and pedipalp movements can be further used to transfer sperm and/or as a form of genitalic copulatory courtship.
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19
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Lipke E, Michalik P. Formation of primary sperm conjugates in a haplogyne spider (Caponiidae, Araneae) with remarks on the evolution of sperm conjugation in spiders. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2012; 41:561-573. [PMID: 22982877 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Sperm conjugation, where two or more sperm are physically united, is a rare but widespread pheno-menon across the animal kingdom. One group well known for its different types of sperm conjugation are spiders. Particularly, haplogyne spiders show a high diversity of sperm traits. Besides individual cleistospermia, primary (synspermia) and secondary (coenospermia, "spermatophore") sperm conjugation occurs. However, the evolution of sperm conjugates and sperm is not understood in this group. Here, we look at how sperm are transferred in Caponiidae (Haplogynae) in pursuit of additional information about the evolution of sperm transfer forms in spiders. Additionally, we investigated the male reproductive system and spermatozoa using light- and transmission electron-microscopy and provide a 3D reconstruction of individual as of well as conjugated spermatozoa. Mature spermatozoa are characterized by an extremely elongated, helical nucleus resulting in the longest spider sperm known to date. At the end of spermiogenesis, synspermia are formed by complete fusion of four spermatids. Thus, synspermia might have evolved early within ecribellate Haplogynae. The fused sperm cells are surrounded by a prominent vesicular area. The function of the vesicular area remains still unknown but might be correlated with the capacitation process inside the female. Further phylogenetic and functional implications of the spermatozoa and sperm conjugation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Lipke
- Allgemeine und Systematische Zoologie, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, Greifswald, Germany.
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20
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Margraf A, Costa-Ayub CLS, Okada MA, Gomes JR, Ortolani-Machado CF, Soares MAM. Development of Loxosceles intermedia Mello-Leitão (1934) (Araneae, Sicariidae) genital tract. BRAZ J BIOL 2011; 71:747-54. [PMID: 21881800 DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842011000400021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the post-embryonic development of the male and female genital apparatus of the brown spider, Loxosceles intermedia. The development of the genital apparatus for both sexes begins with the appearance of inner structures. In the male genital apparatus, formation of the testes occurs first, followed by differentiation of the duct, ampulla and vas deferens, and finally the formation of the genital opening and differentiation of the copulatory organ (secondary sexual characteristic). Similarly, the development of the female genital apparatus begins with the formation of the ovaries, followed by the appearance of oocytes in vitellogenesis, then the development of oviducts and uterus internus and, finally, the spermatheca. These data may be very important in further comparative studies on the development of the reproductive system of spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Margraf
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Molecular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa – UEPG, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
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22
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Jiao X, Guo L, Chen Z, Wu J, Chen J, Liu F, Li D. Experimental evidence for female-driven monandry in the wolf spider, Pardosa astrigera. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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23
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Michalik P, Rittschof CC. A comparative analysis of the morphology and evolution of permanent sperm depletion in spiders. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16014. [PMID: 21264312 PMCID: PMC3019211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Once thought to be energetically cheap and easy to produce, empirical work has shown that sperm is a costly and limited resource for males. In some spider species, there is behavioral evidence that sperm are permanently depleted after a single mating. This extreme degree of mating investment appears to co-occur with other reproductive strategies common to spiders, e.g. genital mutilation and sexual cannibalism. Here we corroborate that sperm depletion in the golden orb-web spider Nephila clavipes is permanent by uncovering its mechanistic basis using light and electron microscopy. In addition, we use a phylogeny-based statistical analysis to test the evolutionary relationships between permanent sperm depletion (PSD) and other reproductive strategies in spiders. Male testes do not produce sperm during adulthood, which is unusual in spiders. Instead, spermatogenesis is nearly synchronous and ends before the maturation molt. Testis size decreases as males approach their maturation molt and reaches its lowest point after sperm is transferred into the male copulatory organs (pedipalps). As a consequence, the amount of sperm available to males for mating is limited to the sperm contained in the pedipalps, and once it is used, males lose their ability to fertilize eggs. Our data suggest that PSD has evolved independently at least three times within web-building spiders and is significantly correlated with the evolution of other mating strategies that limit males to monogamy, including genital mutilation and sexual cannibalism. We conclude that PSD may be an energy-saving adaptation in species where males are limited to monogamy. This could be particularly important in web-building spiders where extreme sexual size dimorphism results in large, sedentary females and small, searching males who rarely feed as adults and are vulnerable to starvation. Future work will explore possible energetic benefits and the evolutionary lability of PSD relative to other mate-limiting reproductive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Michalik
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, Greifswald, Germany.
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25
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Male remating and female fitness in the wolf spider Pardosa astrigera: the role of male mating history. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-010-1049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Michalik P, Knoflach B, Thaler K, Alberti G. Live for the moment—Adaptations in the male genital system of a sexually cannibalistic spider (Theridiidae, Araneae). Tissue Cell 2010; 42:32-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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27
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Aisenberg A. Male Performance and Body Size Affect Female Re-Mating Occurrence in the Orb-Web SpiderLeucauge mariana(Araneae, Tetragnathidae). Ethology 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2009.01701.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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28
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Complex female genitalia indicate sperm dumping in armored goblin spiders (Arachnida, Araneae, Oonopidae). ZOOLOGY 2009; 113:19-32. [PMID: 19939658 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2009] [Revised: 04/08/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In promiscuous females, sperm ejection from the sperm storage site can be a strong mechanism to influence sperm priority patterns. Sperm dumping is reported from different animals including birds, insects, and humans. In spiders, it has been documented for four species including the oonopid Silhouettella loricatula. Oonopidae are a diverse spider family comprising many species with peculiar female genitalia. Especially in species where studies of mating behavior are difficult, morphological investigations of the genitalia help to understand their function and evolution. In the present study, the genitalia of the oonopids Myrmopopaea sp., Grymeus sp., and Lionneta sp. are investigated by means of histological serial sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results are compared with previous findings on S. loricatula. In Myrmopopaea sp. and Grymeus sp., the same morphological components are present that are involved in sperm dumping in S. loricatula. Inside the receptaculum, sperm are enclosed in a secretory sac which can be moved to the genital opening and dumped during copulation by muscle contractions. The female genitalia of Lionneta sp. are asymmetric. They show the same characteristics as S. loricatula but all the investigated females were unmated. The results strongly suggest that sperm dumping occurs in Myrmopopaea sp., Grymeus sp., and Lionneta sp. and happens by the same mechanism as in S. loricatula. Sperm dumping might even be common within a clade of oonopids. As in S. loricatula, the sperm transfer forms in the investigated species consist of several spermatozoa. Papillae with unknown function occur on the receptacula of all females.
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29
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Uhl G, Nessler SH, Schneider JM. Securing paternity in spiders? A review on occurrence and effects of mating plugs and male genital mutilation. Genetica 2009; 138:75-104. [PMID: 19705286 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-009-9388-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Accepted: 07/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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30
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Aisenberg A, Estramil N, Toscano-Gadea C, González M. Timing of female sexual unreceptivity and male adjustment of copulatory behaviour under competition risk in the wolf spider Schizocosa malitiosa. J ETHOL 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-007-0081-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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31
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Michalik P. Spermatozoa and spermiogenesis of Liphistius cf. phuketensis (Mesothelae, Araneae, Arachnida) with notes on phylogenetic implications. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2007; 36:327-335. [PMID: 18089111 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2007.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2007] [Accepted: 03/07/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The present study deals with the spermatozoa and spermiogenesis of Liphistius cf. phuketensis, a representative of the most primitive and enigmatic spider group Mesothelae. The general organization of the spermatozoa is very similar to the condition known from Amblypygi supporting a sister-group relationship between Araneae and Amblypygi. Besides plesiomorphic characters such as, e.g., an elongated and corkscrew shaped nucleus, the sperm cells are characterized by several apomorphic characters, e.g., the giant body and conspicuous membranous areas which are formed at the end of spermiogenesis. As the transfer form, coenospermia are formed at the end of spermiogenesis, which strongly supports the idea that this type of sperm aggregation is the primitive transfer form within spiders. A very remarkable character of the spermatozoa of some groups of arachnids is the coiling of the main cell organelles at the end of spermiogenesis. Previously, the Mesothelae were believed to be the only spider group which does not show a complete coiling of the main cell organelles. With the present study the first evidence of a complete coiling of spermatozoa within this primitive spider group could be documented, indicating that this character is part of the ground pattern of spider spermatozoa. Consequently, the incomplete coiling seems to be a synapomorphy of certain species of Mesothelae, which sheds new light on the discussion of the phylogenetic relationships of this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Michalik
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, J.-S.-Bach-Strasse 11/12, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany.
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32
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Huang F, Yu RX, Chen XX. Ultrastructure of the Male Reproductive System ofCotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with Preliminary Characterization of the Secretions. Microsc Res Tech 2007; 70:563-71. [PMID: 17393488 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The morphology and ultrastructure of testes and accessory glands along with the characterization of their secretions were investigated for a braconid species Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) using light and electron microscopes. The male internal reproductive system of this species is distinguished by a pair of testes, one vas deferens, and a pair of male accessory glands. The testes are separate, and the accessory glands are oval and not fused. It was observed that the secretory cells of testes have characteristic smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and that the cytoplasm is filled with an array of granule droplets usually of two to three types. The secretory cells in the case of accessory glands are typified by the presence of microvilli on their apical cell surfaces and numerous mitochondria in their cytoplasm. SDS-PAGE profile when performed depicted a similarity in most bands of the secretions from both testes and accessory glands, except for four proteins of which two were present only in testes, while the other two only appeared in accessory glands. Their molecular weights were 117 and 55 kDa for testes and 196 and 30 kDa for accessory glands, respectively. This study gives new insights into the intriguing features of male internal reproductive system and it especially constitutes the first report of its kind about the secretion properties of these organs in C. vestalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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33
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Estramil N, Costa FG. Female sexual receptivity after partial copulations in the wolf spider (
Schizocosa malitiosa
). J Zool (1987) 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00180.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Estramil
- Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - F. G. Costa
- Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
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34
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Minelli A, Brena C, Deflorian G, Maruzzo D, Fusco G. From embryo to adult—beyond the conventional periodization of arthropod development. Dev Genes Evol 2006; 216:373-83. [PMID: 16670874 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-006-0075-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2005] [Accepted: 04/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The traditional framework for the description of arthropod development takes the molt-to-molt interval as the fundamental unit of periodization, which is similar to the morphological picture of the main body axis as a series of segments. Developmental time is described as the subdivision into a few major stages of one or more instars each, which is similar to the subdivision of the main body axis into regions of one to many segments each. Parallel to recent criticisms to the segment as the fundamental building block of arthropod anatomy, we argue that, while a firm subdivision of development in stages is useful for describing arthropod ontogeny, this is limiting as a starting point for studying its evolution. Evolutionary change affects the association between different developmental processes, some of which are continuous in time whereas others are linked to the molting cycle. Events occurring but once in life (hatching; first achieving sexual maturity) are traditionally used to establish boundaries between major units of arthropod developmental time, but these boundaries are quite labile. The presence of embryonic molts, the 'gray zone' of development accompanying hatching (with the frequent delivery of an immature whose qualification as 'free-embryo' or ordinary postembryonic stage is arbitrary), and the frequent decoupling of growth and molting suggest a different view. Beyond the simple comparison of developmental schedules in terms of heterochrony, the flexible canvas we suggest for the analysis of arthropod development opens new vistas into its evolution. Examples are provided as to the origin of holometaboly and hypermetaboly within the insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Minelli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58 B, 35131 Padua, Italy.
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35
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Michalik P, Dallai R, Giusti F, Mercati D, Alberti G. Spermatozoa and spermiogenesis of Holocnemus pluchei (Scopoli, 1763) (Pholcidae, Araneae). Tissue Cell 2005; 37:489-97. [PMID: 16289178 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2005] [Revised: 09/25/2005] [Accepted: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Until now, the knowledge on pholcid spermatozoa is based on two species, Pholcus phalangioides and, incompletely, Holocnemus pluchei. To complete this knowledge and to reveal more potential phylogenetic characters, we have investigated sperm ultrastructure and spermiogenesis of H. pluchei. We found that the sperm cells of this species are clearly different from those of P. phalangioides with respect to: (1) the lack of specialization in the cylindrical acrosomal vacuole; (2) a nuclear canal which is located in the periphery and not in the center of the nucleus; (3) a more prominent postcentriolar elongation of the nucleus; (4) the presence of "inner microtubules" in the implantation fossa in early and mid-spermatids; (5) the absence of a helical band of nuclear material; (6) the proximal centriole which is not prolonged; (7) the types of secretion in the seminal fluid (only two types in H. pluchei). Similarities in the spermatozoa of both species concern: (1) a large implantation fossa which contains large amounts of glycogen in mature spermatozoa; (2) absence of a centriolar adjunct; (3) an axonemal basis located in the posterior part of the implantation fossa; (4) the formation of the so-called cleistospermia in the vas deferens. Our results strongly support systematic relationships within Pholcidae placing these two species in different subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Michalik
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, J.-S.-Bach-Strasse 11/12, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany.
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36
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Michalik P, Uhl G. The male genital system of the cellar spider Pholcus phalangioides (Fuesslin, 1775) (Pholcidae, Araneae): development of spermatozoa and seminal secretion. Front Zool 2005; 2:12. [PMID: 15987506 PMCID: PMC1182384 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-2-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2005] [Accepted: 06/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most arthropods pass through several molting stages (instars) before reaching sexual maturity. In spiders, very little is known about the male genital system, its development and seminal secretions. For example, it is unknown whether spermatozoa exist prior to-, or only after the final molt. Likewise, it is unclear whether sperm are produced throughout male adulthood or only once in a lifetime, as is whether seminal secretions contain factors capable of manipulating female behavior. In order to shed light on these aspects of the reproductive biology of spiders, we investigated the male genital system of the common cellar spider Pholcus phalangioides, with special emphasis on its development and seminal secretions. RESULTS Testes already display all stages of spermatogenesis in subadult males (about four weeks before the final molt). Their vasa deferentia possess proximally a very voluminous lumen containing dense seminal fluid and few spermatozoa, whereas the distal part is seemingly devoid of contents. Spermatoza of P. phalangioides are typical cleistospermia with individual secretion sheaths. In male stages approximately two weeks prior to the final molt, the lumina of the testes are wider and filled with a dense secretion. The wide, proximal portion of the vasa deferentia is filled with secretion and a large number of spermatozoa, and the narrow distal part also contains secretion. In adult males, the wide lumina of the testes are packed with spermatozoa and secretions. The latter are produced by the somatic cells that bear microvilli and contain many vesicles. The lumina of the vasa deferentia are narrow and filled with spermatozoa and secretions. We could identify a dense matrix of secretion consisting of mucosubstances and at least three types of secretion droplets, likely consisting of proteinaceous substances. CONCLUSION This study reveals that spermatogenesis begins weeks before maturity and takes place continuously in the long-lived males of P. phalangioides. Possible functions of the various types of secretion in the seminal fluid and previously investigated female secretions are discussed in the light of sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Michalik
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, J.-S.-Bach-Straße 11/12, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gabriele Uhl
- Institut für Zoologie, Universität Bonn, Endenicher Allee 11-13, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
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