SPERMATOPHORE FORMATION AND SPERM TRANSFER IN THE DESERT LOCUST, <i>SCHISTOCERCA GREGARIA</i> (ORTHOPTERA: ACRIDIDAE)

Abstract

Abstract Sperm transfer in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forsk.), is accomplished by means of small (1.5 mm) spermatophores, formation of the first of which begins almost immediately after coupling. A normal copulation, which lasts 4 hours or longer, results in the production of about 6 spermatophores and a maximum of at least 14. Some details of the process of spermatophore formation are presented and differences among certain groups of acridoids are discussed.