END-PIECE FORMATION DURING SPERMIOGENESIS OF SCOLOPENDROMORPHA (CHILOPODA)

End-piece formation during spermiogenesis of two species of Scolopendr omorpha, namely Scolopendra cingulata and S. clavipes, was examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Four important steps c haracterized the morphogenetic process: 1) preservation of a cytoplasm ic appendage (plume) at the end of the tail; 2) formation of a short, longitudinally striated manchette; 3) migration of this structure insi de the plume; 4) removal of superfluous cytoplasm from the plume. Thes e findings are discussed and compared with those of other Centipede or ders.