Spermatozoon of the sandflyLutzomyia longipalpis(Lutz & Neiva) (Diptera, Psychodidae)

Abstract

The structure of the mature spermatozoa of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva) (Diptera, Psychodidae) was examined by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The spermatozoon was found to have an elongated head and a tail. The head was characterized by an acrosomal complex with a plug containing fine, granular, presumably subacrosomal material constituting the perforatorium. The tail had a 9 + 9 + 0 axoneme and one partially crystallized mitochondrial derivative. The spermatozoon ultrastructure of L. longipalpis was compared with that of other Diptera, particularly Psychodidae.