1974/11/15 by A. C. F. Hung, S. Bradleigh Vinson, J. W. Summerlin · 4 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior #Plant and animal studies #Animal Behavior and Reproduction #Biology #Alate #Red imported fire ant #Fire ant #Anatomy #Polygyny #Zoology #Sperm #Sterility #Andrology #Hymenoptera #Botany #Population
paper · doi:10.1093/aesa/67.6.909
openalex publication_date 1974/11/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/16
The testis of Solenopsis invicta Buren consists of 4 follicles which develop into testicular lobes by the pharate pupal stage. In mature alates these lobes atrophy and the vasa deferentia are filled with spermatozoa. Males were found in field populations in eastern Texas in which the testicular lobes failed to develop. In these aspermic males the accessory gland was about the same size as in normal males. No difference in external morphology could be found between normal and aspermic males. Aspermic alates flew at the time when normal males had their nuptial flight. The cause of this aspermia is unknown. It appears to be associated with male diploidy and the polygynous colonies.