Spermatophore
Guides
Copiphorini
Coneheads
Copiphorini is a tribe of katydids (Tettigoniidae) within the subfamily Conocephalinae, characterized by a distinctive cone-shaped projection on the head that extends forward in front of the antennae base. Members range from 24 to 74 mm in length, with females typically larger than males. The tribe was originally described as a subfamily (Copiphorinae) by Karny in 1912 but has been reclassified. Species produce loud songs through forewing stridulation and possess straight, slender, toothless ovipositors.
Cyphoderris
Hump-winged Grigs
Cyphoderris is a genus of primitive orthopterans known as hump-winged grigs, representing a relict lineage of the ancient family Haglidae (now Prophalangopsidae). These cold-adapted, nocturnal insects are restricted to high-elevation coniferous forests and sagebrush meadows of western North America. Males produce acoustic signals by rubbing their forewings together to attract females. The genus exhibits unusual reproductive biology in which females feed on male metathoracic wing tissue during copulation, and males provide substantial proteinaceous spermatophores. Only three species are currently recognized: C. strepitans, C. buckelli, and C. monstrosa.
Deuterosminthurus bicinctus
Deuterosminthurus bicinctus is a springtail species in the family Bourletiellidae, first described by Koch in 1840. It is notable for its elaborate courtship and mating rituals involving spermatophore transfer, which have been studied in detail. Males perform a complex sequence of behaviors including a rhythmic head-to-head 'dance' to direct females to deposited spermatophores. The species has been recorded across Europe, the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia, and Australia.
Erythraeidae
Erythraeidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Trombidiformes. Adults are free-living, fast-running predators with long legs adapted for pursuit. Larvae are ectoparasites of various arthropods, including harvestmen, spiders, bees, and grasshoppers, using a stylostome to feed on host body fluids. These mites are typically oval, relatively large for mites, reddish in color, and densely hairy. The family belongs to the superfamily Erythraeoidea within the diverse group Parasitengona, which includes velvet mites, chiggers, and water mites.
Eurycotis
Eurycotis is a genus of cockroaches in the family Blattidae, distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Members possess a distinctive defensive capability: both sexes harbor large abdominal glands that secrete a milky, acidic fluid when threatened, which can be released as an oozing liquid or projected as a spray up to three feet. The genus includes at least 20 species in Cuba alone, with Eurycotis floridana being the most extensively studied species. Research on E. floridana has documented detailed mating behaviors involving spermatophore transfer and courtship rituals.
Trichopetalum
A genus of millipedes in the family Trichopetalidae, order Chordeumatida. Contains seven described species, all surface-dwelling or troglophilic. The genus is notable for the first documented authentic chordeumatidan spermatophores and the production of a sticky defensive secretion from segmental setae bases. Species occur in North America, primarily the United States.