Morphology and Histology of the Male Reproductive System in Graphosoma lineatum (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Based on Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

The male reproductive system of Graphosoma lineatum (Linnaeus 1758) is studied morphologically and histologically using both light and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). On the basis of histological sections and whole morfological studies, the following elements in the structure of the male reproductive system of G. lineatum have been examined: the structure of a pair of testis containing the testes follicles and the stage of spermatogenesis, the connection of testes and vas deferens; the position and the histological structure the of a pair of vas deferens which is the tube down which the sperm travels, the structure of seminal vesicle which is where the sperm is stored prior to mating which supply seminal fluid for additional volume and to nourish the sperm before-during their journey, the bulbus ejaculatorius, a pair of ectodermal sacs the ductus ejaculatorius as well as the structure of aedeagus.