Switchover to the mated state by spermathecal activation in female Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes

Autor(es): Klowden Marc J


Resumo: Both Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes undergo physiological and behavioral changes after the females mate, but unlike Ae. aegypti, the mated state in An. gambiae is not attained through the action of male accessory gland substances. Experiments in which the spermathecae of mated females were manipulated suggest that a spermatheca filled with sperm is responsible for triggering oviposition behavior. An estimated 48% of the previously mated An. gambiae females mated again when the interval between encounters with males was less than 24h. Unlike male Ae. aegypti that can inseminate up to seven females after their testes are removed, An. gambiae do not store sperm in the vas deferens and without testes would be unable to inseminate any females.


Palavras-Chave: Mosquitoes; Male accessory gland; Multiple mating; Spermatheca; Sperm; Oviposition


Imprenta: Journal of Insect Physiology, v. 52, n. 7, p. 679-684, 2006


Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2006.03.006


Descritores: Aedes aegypti - Cell ; Aedes aegypti - Sexual


Data de publicação: 2006