Anatomical and histological structures of the male reproductive system of adult Cercopis vulnerata Rossi, 1807 (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)

Cercopis vulnerata (red-and-black froghopper) is a species of leafhopper that can be configured as a pest, as it is polyphagous and causes damage to the fruits of many plant species, including agricultural crops. In this study, the morphology of the male reproductive system of C. vulnerata was examined under light and scanning electron microscopy. The male reproductive system of C. vulnerata consists of two testes, two vasa deferentia , two seminal vesicles, three pairs of accessory glands, one ejaculatory duct and an aedeagus. The testis has one testicular follicle, which is filled with spermatozoa. The wall of the vas deferens is surrounded by a monolayer cubic epithelium and sheath. There are slender, long and clumps of spermatozoa in its lumen. The first and third pairs of accessory glands are surrounded by monolayer cubic epithelium, whereas the second pair is surrounded by monolayer cylindrical epithelium. In the second pair of the accessory gland, secretory granules are more abundant. The ejaculatory duct is surrounded by a monolayer cubical epithelium with round nuclei. The epithelial layer folds toward the lumen. Knowledge of male reproductive histology and anatomy can be used to infer function, thus providing key information for future research and systematic studies into reproductive morphology in Hemiptera, including Cercopidae.