The structure and development activity of the accessory reproductive glands of the Male grasshoppescataloipuscymbiferus and possible control by the corpora allata

The structure of the accessory reproductive glands in Cataloipuscymbiferus has been studied. The study of fresh specimens showed that the accessory reproductive glands are composed of two gland masses. Each gland mass consists of 16 tubules. According to the appearance of the secretions in these gland tubules, 4 morphological types of gland tubules were identified; each gland mass consisting of 1 sinuous gland, 10 transparent or hyaline glands, 4 white glands and 1 seminal vesicle. Characteristics of the epithelial cells and luminal secretions of these gland tubules were studied using histological preparations. On the basis of histological characteristics,, 5 different types of tubules were observed: glands 1 to 5. Histochemical tests were also used to study the types of substances secreted by the different gland tubules. These tests have shown that the accessory reproductive glands secrete proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The seminal vesicle also acts as a sperm reservoir. An analysis of the ultrastructural features of these gland tubules secrete proteins. Last stage nymphs caught from the field were reared in the laboratory to provide adult insects which were used in the study of the development of the corpora allata and the accessory reproductive glands. Lengths and widths of the corpora allata were measured. The lengths of their nuclear diameters were measured and nuclear density determined in histological preparations. These parameters were as indices of growth and activity of the corpora allata. The lengths of the accessory reproductive glands were measured, and the time of appearance of secretions in the luminal of the tubules noted. The results showed that the growth and the activities of the corpora allata and accessory reproductive glands tended to correlate positively. Adult males were treated with Farnesol to study the effect of this juvenile hormone analogue on the growth and activity of both the corpora allata and accessory reproductive glands. Farnesol suspension (10uI), of concentration 200uI/ml of olive oil was applied on the neck membrane daily. Farnesol administration resulted in the retardation of growth and activity of corpora allata, but was without effect on the accessory reproductive glands. Field population of C. cymbiferus males were studied for possible correlation in the sizes of corpora allata, accessory reproductive glands and the insect body. The corpora allata and accessory reproductive glands correlated positively. None of these parameters correlated positively with the body size. Simultaneous yellow/brown colour polymorphism of the insect abdomens was also noted in this population. Correlations between the size and developmental activities between the corpora allata and the accessory reproductive glands in both the field population and the laboratory reared males may suggest the control of accessory reproductive glands by the corpora allata. The retarding effect of Farnesol on corpora allata growth and activity, while the accessory reproductive glands continue to develop normally does not, however, help to clarify the nature of this control.