open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/93199

Is the copulation of silver-washed fritillary inverted? Function of the female genital projection (Lepidoptera : Nymphalidae : Argynnini)

英語

Inverted copulation

2023-10-18

Springer

Organisms diversity & evolution

23

871-879

Females of the silver-washed fritillary butterfly, Argynnis paphia (Linnaeus), and its relatives are known to have a unique genital projection called the cornucopia. Previous observations showed that the cornucopia partly penetrates the male genitalia during copulation, but its detailed structures and functions are unknown to date. Our observations using light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and microcomputed tomography suggested that penetration by the female cornucopia occurs passively, and it is hooked and pulled by the male towards the male genitalia using sharp teeth on the uncus. This hooking and pulling causes wounds on the dorsal region of the cornucopia. Artificial amputation of a cornucopia confirmed that it is indispensable for spermatophore transfer from males and functions to break off the male phallic spines (cornuti). The broken spines may be used by females to help the digestion of spermatophores in the female's corpus bursae. Females with larger body sizes had more broken spines in the corpus bursae, indicating that secure holding of a large female during copulation is challenging for males.

学術雑誌論文

Accepted Manuscript

This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13127-023-00621-y

1439-6092