Anatomy and histology of reproductive system of adult male mint leaf beetleChrysolina herbacea(Duftschmid, 1825) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

In this study, anatomy and histology of the male reproductive system ofChrysolina herbacea(Duftschmid 1825) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are described and illustrated by using light and scanning electron microscopies. Data from the male gonad of this species provide more extended and precise knowledge regarding the histoanatomical structure of the reproductive system in Chrysomelidae. The male reproductive system inC. herbaceaconsists of paired bilobed testes, two pairedvas efferentia, paired seminal vesicles, pairedvas deferentia, paired tubular accessory glands, a ductus ejaculatorius, and an aedeagus. Each testis consists of 40 follicles enveloped in a yellow pigmented sheath. In the light and scanning electron microscope examinations of male reproductive system ofC. herbacea, different spermatogenesis stages (spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa) are found. Each testes follicle joins with the vas efferens surrounded by monolayered cubic epithelium with oval nuclei. Epithelial cells are covered from the outside with a thin layer of muscle and sheath. Vas efferens connect to vas deferens that may have an enlarged and differentiated region = seminal vesicle. Mature spermatozoa are seen in the lumen of the vas efferens, seminal vesicle, and vas deferens. There is a pair of accessory glands with a convoluted appearance in the tubular structure around the vas deferens. The vas deferens is a straight tube which leads into the proximal end of the ductus ejaculatorius. Ductus ejaculatorius wall is surrounded by intima, monolayer epithelium, and a thick muscle layer with many nuclei. The distal section of the ductus ejaculatorius is housed within the aedeagus.

Automated summary

The study provides detailed description and illustration of the anatomy and histology of the male reproductive system of Chrysolina herbacea, revealing a complex structure including testes, vasa efferentia, seminal vesicles, vasa deferentia, tubular accessory glands, ductus ejaculatorius, and aedeagus. The examination also shows different spermatogenesis stages and the presence of mature spermatozoa in various parts of the reproductive system.