Sperm length evaluated in some Aleocharinae (Coleoptera Staphylinidae)

Abstract

Out of 7 species of Aleocharinae examined throughout, sperm length does range between 150 and 2.300 μm and exhibits its maximum value in Cordalia obscura (Gravenhorst). Evaluation was technically possible either on bundles or single spermatozoa obtained by squashing testes, as spermatheca provided only a very intricate mass of sperm. Variable features of male genitalia include testis structure, length of deferents and number of the accessory glands. A conclusive diagram is given, which compares the sperm length with the size of the spermatheca of each species, and an intriguing question does arise: how these exceedingly long sperm are able in leaving the receptacle to fertilise eggs?