The spermatophores of Desmognathus and other plethodontid salamanders. American Museum novitates ; no. 351
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Abstract
"(1) Desmognathus f. fuscus deposited stalked spermatophores on leaves out of water in June. (2) The head and part of the stalk of the spermatophore were found in the cloaca of the female Desmognathus f. fuscus in October and November, and also in late March. (3) The same parts of the spermatophore were found in the cloaca of a female Desmognathus phoca confined to a terrarium in January. (4) The same parts were found in the cloacas of a series of female Eurycea b. bislineata collected from October 25 to February 17. (5) It is suggested that all plethodontids deposit stalked spermatophores and that the females remove the head and part of the stalk with their cloacal lips. (6) The spermatophore of Plethodon cinereus is not a sac of sperm but agrees so far as known with that of other plethodontids. (7) The cytoplasmic body of the spermatozoan is a characteristic of the Plethodontidae and is not a terrestrial adaptation. (8) The spermatheca is filled by a migration of individual sperm from the disintegrating head of the spermatophore while lodged in the posterior angle of the cloaca of the female. (9) A secretion from the spermatheca, and especially from its common duct, guides the spermatozoa to the spermathecal tubules. (10) The spermatophore head is phagocytosed by leucocytes which escape in numbers through that part of the cloacal epithelium underlying the spermatophore"--P. 14-15.
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Includes bibliographical references (p. 15).