The Migration of Spermatozoa in the Female of Rhodnius Prolixus Stal

Abstract

1. Removal of the opaque accessory glands from a male Rhodnius prevents the normal migration of the spermatozoa in a female which is inseminated by it. 2. The opaque accessory secretion induces rhythmic contractions in the oviducts, probably by acting through a peripheral nervous system. 3. Paralysis of the muscles of the female without interfering with the motility of the spermatozoa prevents the ascent of the spermatozoa. 4. Killing the spermatozoa in the bursa has no effect on their subsequent migration. 5. The central nervous system is not essential for the migration. 6. It is concluded that the migration of spermatozoa in the female of Rhodnius proxlixus is a result of rhythmic contractions set up in the oviduct by the opaque accessory secretion of the male acting through a peripheral nervous system. Evidence in the literature suggests that the mechanism may operate in a number of spermatophore-forming species.