Descrição da anatomia do sistema reprodutor masculino de Lonomia ssp. (Lepidoptera Saturniidae)

Abstract

The genus Lonomia (Saturniidae, Hemileucinae) has been highlighted by the severity of accidents related to the contact of its caterpillars with humans recorded in Brazil. However, despite the medical importance, there are still few studies on bioecology, taxonomy, description and especially morphological aspects of the reproductive system of this group. In the present study we proposed to describe the anatomy of the male reproductive organ of Lonomia spp. comparing virgin and mated males. The reproductive system of both types of males were dissected, photographed and analyzed for the anatomical description. From the results obtained, it was possible to describe in an unprecedented way the basic morpho-anatomy of the reproductive system of males of Lonomia spp. and demonstrate important anatomical changes compared to other sibling groups. The males of Lonomia spp. have spherical testicles. The mated males have translucent testes, while those of virgin males have a yellowish color. Males apparently have only one vas deferens connected to the testes, only one seminal vesicle and the simple ejaculatory duct is yellowish (virgin males) or whitish (coupulated males). Additional studies focusing on histological analysis of the testes should be performed in order to verify if there is a correlation between the translucency of the reproductive system and the absence of sperm. An open point is whether the males of Lonomia spp. produce sperm throughout their adult life or just the amount needed for copulation, and whether the seminal vesicle stores sperm material.