Spermatophores of the snail Neritina reclivata

✍ Scribed by E. A. Andrews

• Book ID: 102903378
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1936
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 1000 KB
• Volume: 60
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0362-2525
• DOI: 10.1002/jmor.1050600110

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Differing from hitherto known spermatophores, these are found to have the form of a loop with a thick body and the slender ends twisted together.

Also one end bears a spiral row of triradiate spicules, unique in being chitinoid secretions. Each is formed within a vacuole of a cell of a small gland found in the males. The ends of the spermatophores hold sperms, but the main mass consists of granules of problematical value. Spermatophores after discharge are stored up within the female, where remnants of them remain indefinitely.

For the first time stages in the formation of spermatophores were found within the males. The head organ in the male is found to be more complex than hitherto known in this genus. A special head organ in the female is described for the first time in this family. An hypothesis is advanced as to the possible use of these male and female head organs in transfer of spermatophores. The suggestion is made that in this family the spermatophores and their organs of transfer and of storage may serve as generic characters.