Reproductive Systems, Transfer and Digestion of Spermatophores in Two Asian Luciolinae Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Simple Summary During mating, fireflies may transfer sperm to the female wrapped in food materials (spermatophores). We investigate in two firefly species structures in both male and female that indicate production and receipt of spermatophores. Their structure, how they attach and discharge the sperm inside the female, and how long they persist might indicate if these fireflies mate only once or more. Potential differences between males and females of both fully winged and species with flightless females are determined. An overview of present knowledge of female reproductive anatomy is given. An argument is mounted suggesting direct observation of biological structures like spermatophores might be the only reliable way of determining their presence. The internal reproductive anatomy of males and females of two Asian Luciolinae fireflies Emeia pseudosauteri (Geisthardt, 2004) and Abscondita chinensis (L., 1767) is described, and the time course for spermatophore transfer and digestion examined. E. pseudosauteri is sexually dimorphic, with a flightless female, and Abs. chinensis is sexually monomorphic, with the female flighted. Both are monandrous. Possible female accessory glands are described for the first time for both species. An overview of present knowledge of female reproductive anatomy in the Luciolinae reveals males of 18 species in 10 genera may produce spermatophores and permits speculation about spermatophore production in another 16 genera.

Automated summary

This study investigates the process of sperm transfer and reception in fireflies during mating, as well as the reproductive anatomy of females. The research reveals that different firefly species have distinct reproductive traits, highlighting the significance of studying mating behavior and reproductive ecology in fireflies.