Structural and ultrastructural characterization of the spermatozoa in Pachycondyla striata and P-marginata

Author(s)

Cuquetto-Leite, L. ; Dolder, H. ; Oliveira, P. S. ; Espirito Santo, N. B. ; Lino-Neto, J. ; Mancini, K. C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Insectes Sociaux; v. 64, n. 2, p. 209-217, MAY 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

This study characterizes the male gametic cells in two ant species (Pachycondyla striata and Pachnoda marginata) by light and transmission electron microscopies. The sperm of both species is composed of head, flagellum, and transition regions. The head consists of the acrosome, tapered and bilayer, and a cylindrical nucleus. In P. marginata, the intranuclear material is homogeneously compacted, and in P. striata, there are translucent inclusions and density variations. In the transition region of both species, centriolar adjunct, nuclear base, and the modified basal body (structure of the spermatozoa equivalent to the spermatids' centriole) coexist and are progressively replaced by two oval and symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives and an axoneme 9 + 9 + 2, respectively, in addition to two symmetrical triangular accessory bodies. Moreover, cytochemical analysis with Ethanolic Phosphotungstic Acid Method (E-PTA) revealed species-specific features not previously reported in the Formicidae, such as the presence of E-PTA negative acrosomal vesicle, E-PTA positive perforatorium, and E-PTA positive nucleus, all in P. marginata. Mitochondrial derivatives exhibited distinct behavior in its internal composition, with E-PTA negative mitochondrial cristae and E-PTA positive paracrystalline in both species. Sperm morphology in Pachycondyla has marked morphological similarities with other ant groups, and its specific features can be useful tools to understand phylogenetic relationships within the Formicidae and Hymenoptera. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/23671-5 - Interaction between ants and plants bearing extrafloral nectaries : community patterns along a latitudinal gradient in the cerrado biome
• Grantee: Paulo Sergio Moreira Carvalho de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/18580-8 - Studies on Neotropical ants: interactions with herbivorous insects, behavioral ecology and social organization
• Grantee: Paulo Sergio Moreira Carvalho de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/23141-1 - Ecology of interactions, behavioral ecology, and genetics of neotropical ant populations
• Grantee: Paulo Sergio Moreira Carvalho de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants