Spermatophore
A spermatophore is a capsule or mass created by males of various animal species, containing spermatozoa and transferred in entirety to the female's ovipore during copulation. It may contain nourishment for the female, in which case it is called a nuptial gift, though recent research has indicated that this "gift" provides little nutrient value (for an exception, see Mormon cricket).
Invertebrates
Spermatophores are the norm in arachnids. In various insects, such as Bush Crickets, the spermatophore is often surrounded by a proteonaceous spermatophylax.The function of the spermatophylax is to cause the female to relinquish some of her control over the insemination process allowing full sperm transfer from the spermatophore.[1]
Vertebrates
Some vertebrates also reproduce via spermatophores. Males of many salamander and newt species create spermatophores, which the females may choose to take up or not, depending on the success of the male's mating display.
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References
- ^ Vahed, K. 1998 The function of nuptial feeding in insects: review of empirical studies. Biological Reviews 73, 43-78.