spermatiche

Spermathecae are specialized sperm storage organs found in the female reproductive tracts of many invertebrates, including insects, arachnids, mollusks, and crustaceans. They enable females to store sperm received during mating and use it to fertilize eggs over time, sometimes across multiple oviposition cycles. Spermathecae are commonly paired but may be single or multiple depending on the species. Each spermatheca is lined with secretory epithelium and connected to the oviducts via spermathecal ducts. Glands associated with the spermathecae can nourish stored sperm, maintain its viability, and regulate the timing of release during fertilization.

Anatomical variation exists among taxa: in many insects, one or more spermathecae open to the reproductive tract through spermathecal ducts; in some crustaceans and mollusks they are sac-like structures near the oviducts. The ability to retain viable sperm for extended periods allows females to influence fertilization timing and paternity, impacting reproductive strategies such as polyandry and sperm competition. Secretions within the spermathecae may provide nutrients, pH regulation, or antimicrobial protection to stored sperm.

Significance of spermathecae extends to evolutionary biology, ecology, and applied fields such as pest management and conservation, where understanding female control over reproduction can inform population dynamics and control strategies. The term refers to the female reproductive storage organ, distinct from male reproductive structures such as the spermatic cord.