Agricultural and Biological Sciences
4 years ago

Spermatophores in Earthworms Found to Have No Reproductive Role.

Pedobiologia
Have spermatophores in Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) any reproductive role?
Fernando Monroy, Manuel Aira, Alberto Velando, Jorge Domínguez

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Spermatophores in Eisenia fetida earthworms do not play a role in reproduction. Researchers tested three ideas about what these structures do, but none were supported by the results. Spermatophores did not affect the earthworms' ability to reproduce. However, they were always present after matings that led to the creation of cocoons, suggesting they are a reliable sign of recent copulation.