Microstructure and Histochemistry of Salamander Spermatophores (Ambystomatidae, Salamandridae and Plethodontidae)

Abstract

Four spermatophore cap microstructures were observed among 10 species of salamander: 1) In five species of Ambystoma the central area of the cap was surrounded by a membrane-like structure that was distorted by the top of the stalk. This central area contained fibrous material, free cytoplasmic droplets and tail ends of spermatozoa. On the periphery of the cap spermatozoa were aligned in groups with heads directed outward and tails inward. 2) In Notophthalmus viridescens, Cynops pyrrhogaster and Triturus vulgaris the central area containing fibrous material and free cytoplasmic droplets was also limited by a membranelike structure which, however, did not reflect the contour of the top of the stalk. In N. viridescens spermatozoa also were concentrated at the cap periphery but in coiled groups with heads and tails in register, heads directed inward. In C. pyrrhogaster and T. vulgaris spermatozoa were distributed randomly throughout the cap. 3) In Pleurodeles waltl there was no membrane-like structure in the cap; however, spermatozoa arranged randomly throughout the cap were less abundant or absent in the central region, which contained fibrous material and cytoplasmic droplets. 4) In Plethodon jordani the cap consisted of an outer, mucus-covered opaque capsule enclosing two inner granular layers and spermatozoa on the under surface of the cap, against the top of the stalk. Masses of spermatozoa were aligned with heads directed toward the stalk and tails extended into the