Length of sperm evaluated in Megathrips inermis Friesner (Thysanoptera Phlaeothripidae)

Abstract

Anatomical details of genitalia are reported for M. inermis, which exhibits 1.200 μm long sperm. From considering thrips as a whole, the previous record on this matter was held by another tubuliferan species, Compsothrips albosignatus (O.M. Reuter), in which sperm are about 700 μm long. Both species exhibit thread-like sperm, which opposite to the rod-like items of most Tubulifera; moreover, they possess a very long spermathecal duct. Testes of M. inermis are nearly as long as sperm bundles. Deferents are entirely modified into seminal vesicles.