| dc.description.abstract | Observations of copulating pairs of conspecific and
interspecific individuals of Cicindela splendida Hentz and
Cicindela limbalis Klug revealed behaviour similar to that
previously described for Pseudoxych.ila tarsalis Bates, and
for five species of Cicindela including C. limbalis.
Differences in behaviour of both species studied here
compared to previous studies included: absence of a distinct
phase 3 in copulation; ejection of the spermatophore by the
female immediately after the aedeagus was withdrawn; repeated
copulation with increased intercopulatory intervals and
smaller spermatophores; and contact guarding by the male
during time spans ranging from 6 to 10 hours in length.
The spermatophore consisted of a two-chambered
capsule, the outer surface of both being rippled and
cratered. The smaller capsule, referred to here as the
lateral capsule, contained a mass of sperm cells and other
cellular material. Although the lumen of the large capsule
appeared empty in examination the presence of a few suspended
cells suggested that it was probably fluid filled. The rapid
transfer of the spermatophore and the details of its complex
structure suggested that the male carried a pre-made
spermatophore which probably formed within a field of spines
and was moulded around one of the sclerites of the internal
sac. (see document for full abstract) | |
