Question

Describe the reproductive system of Periplaneta and draw neat labelled diagrams of it.

Answer 1

Reproductive System –

Cockroaches are  Dioecious and both sexes have well developed reproductive organs,

Male reproductive system -

A Pair of Testes lying one on each lateral side in the 4th -6th abdominal

segments,

From each testis arises a thin vas deferens, which opens into ejaculatory

duct through seminal vesicle,

The ejaculatory duct opens into male gonopore,

 Male gonopore situated ventral to anus,

 A characteristic Mushroom shaped gland is present in the 6th-7th

abdominal segments,

 Mushroom shaped glands functions As An Accessory Reproductive

Gland,

 Male gonapophysis or Phallomere - Chitinous asymmetrical Structures,

surrounding the male gonopore,

 The External Genitalia are represented by Male Gonapophysis Or

Phallomere,

 The sperms are stored in the seminal vesicles and are glued together in

the form of bundles called Spermatophores,

 Female reproductive system –

Two large ovaries, lying laterally in the 2nd – 6th abdominal segments,

 Each ovary is formed of a group of eight ovarian tubules or ovarioles,

 Ovarioles contain a chain of developing ova,

 Oviducts of each ovary unite into a single median oviduct (also called

vagina),

 Vagina opens into the genital chamber,

 A pair of Spermatheca is present in the 6th segment,

 Spermatheca opens into the genital chamber,

 Sperms are transferred through spermatophores.

 Cockroaches fertilised eggs are encased in capsules called Oothecae