Two distinctly different sperm storage organs in female Dysdera erythrina (Araneae : Dysderidae)

The haplogyne spider D. erythrina possesses two distinctly different sperm storage organs: a bilobed anterior spermatheca and a large, sac-like poster ior diverticulum. The glandular equipment of both storage types is markedly different: the glandular tissue of the spermatheca is composed of complica ted glandular units comprising a cuticular ductule and three canal cells (c lass 3 cells) whereas the glandular tissue of the posterior diverticulum is composed of simple gland cells that discharge their product through the cu ticle (class I cells). Thus, the glandular products produced differ, leadin g to different storage conditions for the spermatozoa from copulation to eg g laying. It is suggested that multiple organ types have evolved to facilit ate specialization in short-term and long-term storage and to allow (poster ior diverticulum) or prevent (spermatheca) males from accessing previously stored sperm. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.