MICRO-ANATOMY OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN SMINTHURIDES (COLLEMBOLA, SMINTHURIDAE)

Abstract

1. The micro-anatomy of the adult female reproductive tract was studied by serial sectioning and from whole mounts. 2. Owing to small size, difficulties in processing, orientation and interpretation were considerable and problems are discussed at length. 3. A new method of studying internal anatomy from whole mounts is described. 4. The structure is described and compared with previously published work on the group. 5. The system is simpler than that of any previously described ymphypleona and in some ways resembles the insect pattern with terminal germarium, rather than that classically accepted for the Collembola ie. with lateral germarium of crustacean type. This is believed to be convergent. The relationship to abdominal musculature is described.