Observations on the Flagellar Appendages on the Plasma Membrane of Degenerating Spermatids of Homona magnanima Diakonoff. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract

Some of the testicular cysts of one-day-old tea-tortrix moth, Homona magnanima Diakonoff were observed to contain degenerating spermatids which projected variable number of appendages in the flagellar region. These appendages are structurally similar to appendages on the flagellar region of Lepidopteran sperms, but seem to far exceed in number. The significance of these appendages is obscure and needs further work to understand their chemical nature and function.