How Sperms Are Stored in Male Cockroaches

In male cockroaches, sperms are stored in seminal vesicles that are glued together in bundles known as spermatophores. These bundles are discharged during copulation. These vesicles are located between the fourth and sixth abdominal segments. The vesicles contain 30-40 spermatozoa. These sperms are released during the copulation process.

The reproductive sys of male cockroaches contains two parts: the accessory reproductive gland and the seminal vesicles. The accessory reproductive gland is a large, whitish gland that surrounds the junction between two vasa deferentia. The accessory reproductive gland contains a spermatophore and two kinds of glandular tubules.

The testes of cockroaches belong to type E. The vas deferens connects the testis to the seminal vesicles and the ejaculatory duct. Some insects lack accessory glands and have no seminal vesicles.

Sperms are stored in the seminal vesicles until the female mates. Once mated, the sperm is ejaculated into the female along with the spermatophore. Spermatophores can be very large and weigh up to 5.8 cm.