REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY AND BIOLOGY OF THE GENUS STROMBUS IN THE CARIBBEAN .1. FEMALES

The reproductive anatomy and function of female Strombus (6 species) i n the Caribbean were studied micro- and macroscopically. Female reprod uctive organs are composed largely of signet cells, except for egg and sperm tracts which are lined with ciliated epithelium and goblet cell s. Specific organs for sperm deposition (bursa copulatrix) and storage (receptaculum seminis) in females are identified and described. The s tructure and orientation of the uterus, bursa copulatrix, sperm tract, and receptaculum seminis suggest that copulation does not interfere w ith spawning and that sperm deposited during spawning could be used pr eferentially for fertilization. Only one verge can fit in the bursa co pulatrix at one time; secure attachment may be by swelling of the burs a copulatrix tissues and interlocking of its lamellae with papillae of the everted accessory pad of the verge. Secondary males may attempt t o deposit sperm over the open portion of the uterine terminus.