Morphology of the male and female reproductive tracts of virgin and mated Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Predatory insects have reproductive organs rich in complex changes that may be responsible for the success of their population growth. The species Chrysoperla externa is a predator used in biological control programs in Latin America. However, there is no morphological data about the morphology of the reproductive tract in this insect. This study describes the morphology of the reproductive organs of virgin and mated C. externa male and female. The male has a pair of testes yellow in color and five pairs of accessory glands closely associated with the seminal vesicles. The testis follicles are twisted filled with cysts in different developmental stages. The pair of ovaries in the females shows asymmetry with 9–11 ovarioles per ovary with oocytes in different developmental stages and a spherical spermatheca. Virgin and mated males have no differences in the size of the testes, seminal vesicle, and accessory glands. C. externa females show morphological changes in the reproductive tract according to sexual maturation, which is triggered by mating. The ovary activation occurs after female mating. The ovaries are of merotistic polytrophic type. The spermathecal reservoir is lined by a flattened epithelium with a thin cuticular intima and associated with well‐developed muscles. It is concluded that the reproductive tract of C. externa is similar in virgin and mated males and females. Egg production is activated only after mating and the development of reproductive tract structures is faster in mated females. Chrysoperla externa is a potential predator to biological control in crops. The male and female reproductive tracts are described. Females actives egg production only after mating.