Eur. J. Entomol. 94 (2): 271-286, 1997
Sperm transfer during copulation in five Coproica species (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae)
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Sperm transfer in five Coproica Rondani was studied by separating copulating pairs at varying time intervals from the onset of copulation. In Coproica ferruginata (Stenhammar), C. hirticula (Collin), C. lugubris (Haliday), and C. vagans (Haliday) rapid sperm transfer, which occurs shortly before the termination of copulation, is preceded by a preinsemination phase of species-specific duration. In C. acutangula (Zetterstedt) sperm transfer starts soon after the initiation of copulation and is accomplished slowly. At the beginning of copulation a tight fit of the secondary male gonopore or phallotreme and the openings of the spermathecal ducts, which are located at a vaginal sclerite, is established in all species. However, only in C. acutangula, C. hirticula, and C. lugubris sperm is transferred while those male and female structures are coupled. Males of C. ferruginata and C. vagans unhook their distiphalli before ejaculation and transfer a sperm mass into the female's vagina. In both species a mating plug blocks the female's secondary gonopore after copulation. The observed traits are discussed with respect to sperm competition and the possibility of sperm manipulation by the females. Three male behaviour patterns observed during copulation are discussed in the context of copulatory courtship: compression of the female abdomen, post-abdominal contractions which cause thrusts of the distiphallus, and drumming of the male leg on the female abdomen. The evolution of sperm transfer in Coproica is examined by mapping the observed sperm transfer traits onto a Coproica cladogram.
Keywords: Diptera, Sphaeroceridae, genital morphology, copulation, sperm transfer
Accepted: September 27, 1996; Published: May 15, 1997 Show citation
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