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Structure of the ptiliid female spermatheca (sperm storage organ)
is of such unique design that nothing compares to it within other groups
of Coleoptera. It has proven to be the most critical taxonomic character
when determining species of featherwing beetles. This is especially
helpful, as most species of ptiliids within a genus generally appear
identical when making identifications based on external morphology.
However, spermatheca design is so varied between genera, that it has
proven to be a poor character when determining higher groups of taxa.
The spermatheca is generally composed of a sac-like structure of variable
form, possessing a spermathecal pump, a structure unique to Ptiliidae.
In properly prepared specimens, the spermathecal pump muscles are visible
laterally to the pump apparatus.
The images above illustrate the wide variety of spermatheca designs
between various genera of Ptiliidae (Nossidium, Pteryx, Acrotrichis).
About This Page
W. Eugene Hall
University of Arizona
Page copyright © 1997
W. Eugene Hall
Page: Tree of Life
The Ptiliid Spermatheca
Authored by
W. Eugene Hall.
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