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The Physiology of Sperm Transfer and Egg Production in Vectors of Chagas Disease with Particular Reference to Rhodnius prolixus

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Triatominae - The Biology of Chagas Disease Vectors

Part of the book series: Entomology in Focus ((ENFO,volume 5))

Abstract

Rhodnius prolixus has served since the early part of the last century as an ideal model to explore the physiology of blood sucking insects. Further, comparative studies indicate that the physiological processes described in this insect apply to Triatominae in general. This chapter focuses on the physiology and anatomy associated with two biological processes that occur in adults, sperm transfer during copulation and the endocrine control of egg production following feeding. With respect to sperm transfer, it is now known based on observations reported here that R. prolixus does not possess a spermatophore sac that everts into the vagina. Instead, the aedeagus delivers free sperm directly to the base of the common oviduct, and the sperm start their migration to the spermathecae before copulation ends. This information will help to clarify the role of male secretions during copulation. With respect to egg production, it has been observed that (1) the experimental manipulations involving the corporis cardiaca (CC) and the corpus allatum (CA) also affect the major neurohaemal site in the cephalic aorta next to these structures, (2) there is a significant sensory component for egg production provided by the abdominal pressure receptors which are able to continually monitor crop size and (3) circulation through the cephalic aorta is required for egg production after feeding. These factors give rise to a working hypothesis that integrates the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems at the level of the cephalic aorta – a possible vascular portal system in the female insect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, Redeemer University, Ancaster, ON, Canada

    R. Gary Chiang & Jennifer A. Chiang

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  1. R. Gary Chiang
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  2. Jennifer A. Chiang
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Correspondence to R. Gary Chiang .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Alessandra Guarneri

  2. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Marcelo Lorenzo

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Chiang, R.G., Chiang, J.A. (2021). The Physiology of Sperm Transfer and Egg Production in Vectors of Chagas Disease with Particular Reference to Rhodnius prolixus. In: Guarneri, A., Lorenzo, M. (eds) Triatominae - The Biology of Chagas Disease Vectors . Entomology in Focus, vol 5. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64548-9_13

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