Abstract
Mayflies (order Ephemeroptera) are primitive winged insects with a life cycle of aquatic nymphal development until emergence as adults that briefly fly seeking mates. Mayflies have reproductive morphology and strategies promoting efficient copulation and oviposition during the ephemeral terrestrial phase. The anatomy of the reproductive tract in males and females of Thraulodes latinus (Leptophlebiidae) is described in relation to the reproductive behavior of Ephemeroptera. Males have a pair of testes that are degenerate in the preadult life stage (subimago) and a pair of deferent ducts that open directly into the gonopores, without ejaculatory duct and accessory glands that are common in other insects. Adult females have a pair of pectinate ovaries with many mature oocytes, a pair of lateral oviducts, and a common oviduct, but lack spermatheca for storage of sperm and associated glands as in most insects. During mating, the paired deferent ducts of males inject sperm directly into females’ lateral oviducts, where mass fertilization occurs. Contraction of the intrinsic muscles of the male’s deferent ducts directs and rapidly propels the flow of spermatozoa. Reproductive strategies, such as facultative parthenogenesis in mayflies and associated selective pressures involved in the morphology and reproductive behavior of these insects, are discussed.
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All data are presented in the “Results” section.
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Vinícius A. Araújo, Lucimar G. Dias, and José Eduado Serrão. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Vinícius A. Araújo, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Collection of specimens received official authorization (Resolution No. 00854) of the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, granted to researcher Dr. Lucimar Gomes Dias. All applicable institutional and/or national guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.
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Araújo, V.A., Dias, L.G. & Serrão, J.E. Rapid and efficient mating in mayflies (Ephemeroptera): morphological and reproductive strategies in primitive winged insects. Sci Nat 108, 10 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-021-01721-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-021-01721-5