Studies on the Onychophora, IV - The passage of spermatozoa into the ovary on Peripatopsis and the early developments of the ova

Abstract

The males of some species of Onychophora form large spermatophores with a definite shape, and it is supposed that these spermatophores are deposited in the female genital opening. These species also possess paired receptacula seminis which contain most of the spermatozoa that may be found in the female genital tract. Near the receptaculum seminis there may be a ciliated funnel communicating with the body cavity (Peripatidae). In other species, notably most of the Peripatopsidae, the male deposits small spermatophores anywhere on the body surface of the female. The receptacula seminis are almost or completely absent in Opisthopatus and Peripatopsis , and spermatozoa are found in the lumen of the ovarian tubes. No open communication exists between the female genital tract and the haemocoel.