QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s):
Home     Help     Feedback     Subscriptions     Archive     Search     Table of Contents

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by GREGORY, G. E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by GREGORY, G. E.

Journal of Experimental Biology 42,423-435 (1965)
Published by Company of Biologists 1965

On the Initiation of Spermatophore Formation in the African Migratory Locust, Locusta Migratoria Migratorioides Reiche and Fairmaire

G. E. GREGORY ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, Cardiff; Department of Insecticides and Fungicides, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts

1. The behaviour of the male culminating in spermatophore formation is divisible into four phases: approach; mounting; copulation; and spermatophore formation. All appear to be controlled and co-ordinated solely through the nervous system.

2. The initiation of sexual behaviour requires the brain and one or more of the receptor-bearing head structures (antennae, palpi and eyes) to be functional.

3. Approach and mounting behaviour involves the receptors, nervous system and effectors of the head and thorax only.

4. Copulation is controlled through the ganglia of the abdomen but for its initiation these ganglia have to be in nervous communication with a centre anterior to them. Also both cerci must be functional.

5. Spermatophore formation is initiated, and its early stages are controlled, by an anterior centre which has its effect through the last abdominal ganglion. The later stages of formation appear to be controlled by the last abdominal ganglion alone.

6. The presence of the female is essential for the initiation and early stages of spermatophore formation, but her role during the later stages of the process appears to be a completely passive one.