Structure of the female reproductive system of the dragonfly Orthetrum sabina sabina (Drury 1770) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

Abstract

The female reproductive system in Orthetrum sabina sabina consists of a pair of ovaries and a post ovarian genital complex (POGC). The ovaries are long, thin panoistic type germinal tissues occupying the first to the sixth abdominal segment. The mature ovariole consist of the terminal filament, germarium, vitellarium and pedicel. The POGC is composed of the sperm storage organ and vagina. The sperm storage organ is formed of a small bursa copulatrix and a pair of spermathecae with long tubular duct. The vagina is a short laterally folded tube covered by thick muscle bands. On the mid-dorsal region, the POGC bears a highly complex sclerotized cuticular collar formed of three pairs of cuticular plates. The POGC is ectodermal in origin and is composed of outer muscle, middle epithelial and inner cuticular layer. These layers exhibit site specific modifications with respect to the functional significance of the components.