Development and submicroscopic anatomy of male gametes in Halammovortex nigrifrons (Plathelminthes, Rhabdocoela, ”Dalyellioida”): phylogenetic implications and functional aspects

Abstract

 The steps of spermiogenesis and the submicroscopic anatomy of male gametes in Halammovortex nigrifrons are described. During spermiogenesis the cytophore develops pseudopod-like extensions, and bung-like deposits of dark material become attached to the basal bodies of the cilia. During the phase of cell elongation, cilia stay near the edge of the cytophore. Spermatozoa bear two free cilia or flagella. The axonemata are equipped with glycogen islets appearing at regular spaces. The sperm body is characterized by dot-like dense granules linearly arranged, intense glycogen aggregations in a channel-shaped deposition and giant dense bodies. Events of spermiogenesis and the features of mature male gametes in H. nigrifrons corroborate the hypothesis of the existence of a monophylum within the Rhabdocoela encompassing several, but not all taxa of the ”Typhloplanoida” and ”Dalyellioida”. The Dalyelliidae (including the species of the Temnocephalida) belong to this monophylum.