Functional morphology of the female reproductive system of a crab with highly extensible seminal receptacles and extreme sperm storage capacity

FARIAS, NAHUEL E.; SPIVAK, EDUARDO D.; LUPPI, TOMAS A.

JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY

WILEY-LISS, DIV JOHN WILEY & SONS INC

Año: 2017

0362-2525

We studied the functional morphology of the female reproductive system of the purple stone crabDanielethus crenulatus. The most remarkable feature is the relative storage capacity and extensibilityof the seminal receptacles. These receptacles are a pair of simple sacs that lack internalstructures dividing the internal lumen. Differences in seminal receptacle size and contents areaccompanied by conspicuous changes in receptacle lining at a tissue level. Full seminal receptaclescontain discrete sperm masses formed by hardened fluid and densely packed spermatophores. Differentsperm masses are likely from different mates and their stratified disposition within theseminal receptacles is compatible with rival sperm displacement and last sperm precedence. Additionally,the anatomical structure of the vulva and vagina suggest active female control overcopula. We discuss our results in the general context of sperm storage in brachyurans and theimplications for the mating system of this species.