Morphology of the internal reproductive organs of Archegozetes longisetosus Aoki (Acari, Oribatida)

Abstract

The morphology and three-dimensional organisation of the internal reproductive system of Archegozetes longisetosus is described, using a combination of conventional microscopic methods and the non-invasive technique of synchrotron X-ray microtomography. The reproductive system is described at various points of its development and the differentiation of its components observed. The genital duct forms during tritonymphal stage close to the ventral body wall from different precursors. Previtellogenesis and the differentiation of eugenital lobes start prior to the last moult. Flap-like structures separate the oviducts from the uterus and the uterus from the vagina in the adult stage. We propose a nomenclature for the subdivisions of the ovary.