On the spermatophore of ixodid ticks

Structure and formation of the spermatophore and the extrusion of its contents in ixodid ticks were studied. The structure of the ectospermatophore resembles that of argasid ticks, whereas that of the endospermatophore differs completely; it is composed of several organelles which are absent in argasids.The chemical nature of the components of the spermatophore was studied by histochemical methods. The male forms the spermatophore by ejaculating the components in a definite order. The components of the ectospermatophore are deposited one into another—while those of the endospermatophore one on top of the other and are linked together in a chain. The last component to be ejected is a plug that closes the endospermatophore.During extrusion of the endospermatophore all of the components burst out of the ectospermatophore. The endospermatophore sheath evaginates and forms the capsule into which the sperm is inserted. Each capsule has two tube-like appendices.