New Anatomical Evidence from the Male Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Invokes Controversy Over the Accepted Function of Some Male Reproductive Organs in Psylloidea.

ABSTRACT: Males of many Psylloidea are known to possess a characteristic structure at the functional hub of their reproductive apparatus, between afferent and efferent passage of seminal fluid. The structure is a squat, cylindrical endoskeleton consisting of two sections. Classical authors named them as 'sperm pump' and 'ejaculatory duct', based on superficial resemblance to a spring-loaded, thimble-shaped cylinder, encircled by smooth, vertical columns interpreted to be muscles which, when contracted, compress the cylinder and affect seminal fluid discharge. The discovery of numerous spherules of unknown composition and function in and around the columns of the Asian citrus psyllid male genitalia invoked rigorous scrutiny of the classical literature for evidence to support its claims, and determine

SUBMITTER: Cicero JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6587681 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature