Studies on Eupyrene and Apyrene Spermatozoa in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera : Bombycidae) : VII. The Motility of Sperm Bundles and Spermatozoa in the Reproductive Organs of Males and Females

Abstract

In Daizo and a hybrid of C 131×J 131, the apyrene sperm bundles in the testicular follicle and the apyrene spermatozoa in the seminal vesicle showed no motility. On the other hand, a few of eupyrene spermatozoa, whose part was partially freed from a bundle, and ordinal eupyrene sperm bundles in the testicular follicle showed a weak but distinct vibratile movement. The movement of those spermatozoa and sperm bundles in the seminal vesicle was observed in a few individuals of Daizo. In the female adult after mating, most of apyrene spermatozoa in the copulatory pouch showed a violent movement immediately after ejaculation. On the other hand, a small number of eupyrene spermatozoa in the copulatory pouch showed a gentle movement, and after migrating into the seminal receptacle from the copulatory pouch most of the eupyrene spermatozoa began to show a vigorous movement.