The Morphology and Functional Anatomy of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems of Cimex Lectularius L. (Heteroptera, Cimicidae)

Abstract

The unusual adaptations of the reproductive system found in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius Linn., have engaged the attention of several investigators during the past years. The right genital clasper of the male is a highly modified claw-like structure which penetrates the intersegmental membrane adjacent to the organ of Berlese and thus carries the aedeagus into the latter. Since the organ of Berlese has no direct connection with the reproductive tract, the spermatozoa must pass from it into the body cavity and then penetrate a special lobe at the base of each lateral oviduct where they are stored. From here some migrate in the wall of the oviducts up to the ovary where they fertilize the developing ova. While insects generally produce eggs whether mating has occurred or not, the bed bug does not lay eggs until the female has mated. The manner in which insemination initiates complete egg formation is still not completely understood.