spermatheca

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Spermatheca of Acanthoscurria geniculata.

The spermatheca (plural spermathecae) is an organ of the female reproductive tract in insects, some molluscs, oligochaeta worms and certain other invertebrates and vertebrates.^[1] Its purpose is to receive and store sperm from the male, and can sometimes be the site of fertilization when the oocytes are ready.^[2] Some species have multiple spermathecae,as seen in earthworms,four pairs of spermathecae are present. One pair in 6,7,8 and 9 segments. They receive and store the spermatozoa of another earthworm during copulation.^{[citation needed]} They are lined with epithelium and are variable in shape; some are thin, heavily coiled tubes, others are vague outpocketings from the main reproductive tract. It is one of the many variations in sexual reproduction.

An apiculturist may examine the spermatheca of a queen bee to find out whether it has received sperm from a male.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Reproductive system of gastropods

References

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