Professor Cornell University Ithaca, New York, United States
Abstract: Did you ever think about mosquito sperm? Probably not. Most people do not even think about male mosquitoes since they do not suck blood and contribute to disease transmission. From ejaculate to storage and ultimately egg fertilization, sperm traverse a difficult, and at times, hostile journey to their final destination. After copulation, sperm briefly remain at the site of insemination until they are activated and swim to the entrance of the ducts that lead to the female’s sperm storage organs (spermathecae). Within minutes, they travel up the narrow ducts to the spermathecae. The female nourishes sperm and maintains them in these permanent storage organs for her entire life. When she is ready, the female coordinates the release of sperm with ovulation, and the descending egg is fertilized. I will share some little-known facts about the biology of mosquito sperm during this journey that may change your perspective and, perhaps, your appreciation for the lowly male mosquito.
