Elaborate gonopods in the myriapod genus Chersastus (Diplopoda: Trigoniulidae)

Abstract

Two-paired gonopods of Chersastus were examined under light and scanning microscopy. Species-specific structures with complexities are described. These gonopods are test models for elaborate genitalia hypotheses: lock-and-key, pleiotropism, genitalic recognition, mechanical conflict of interests, cryptic female choice. Structures of potential sperm displacement are described.