Have spermatophores in Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) any reproductive role?
2003; Elsevier BV; Volume: 47; Issue: 5-6 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1078/0031-4056-00223
ISSN1873-1511
AutoresFernando Monroy, Manuel Aira, Alberto Velando, Jorge Domínguez,
Tópico(s)Study of Mite Species
ResumoThe presence of spermatophores is widespread in earthworms from the family Lumbricidae but their function remains unclear. We tested three functional hypotheses (sperm transfer, nuptial gift and copulatory plugs) to explain the presence of these structures in the earthworm Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae). None of the hypotheses tested were supported from our results and we found that spermatophores had no effect on the reproductive success of this earthworm species. Spermatophores appeared in all the matings that produced cocoons and hence may be used as reliable indicators of a recent copulation.
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