Testis morphology and spermatogenesis in the Indian honeybee, Apis cerana indica F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

Testis morphology and spermatogenesis were studied in Indian honeybee, Apis cerana indica by using light microscopy. The testes were paired, creamy white, oval-shaped bodies lying at anterior side of the mucus glands and situated in between the 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments. Each testis was internally packed with seven tube-like follicles compactly filled with the cysts. In the pupal stage, the cysts were filled with different stages of spermatogenesis. It was noticed that regulation and termination of spermatogenesis observed in the pupal stages. The sperm bundles were well evident in the newly emerged adult drones. Reduction in the size and weight of adult testis were associated with transfer of sperms in the seminal vesicle. Due to excessive transport of sperms, empty cavities and darkly stained residual bodies in the testis follicles were observed in 12-day old drones.