part_of adult male reproductive system adult male spermatophore Fig. 17-6, in Biology of Ticks ISBN:0-19-505910-7. TADS:0000516 TADS:0000516 The spermatophore is not a permament part of the male anatomy. Rather it is formed externally from soluble proteins, lipids and other materials in a viscous droplet ejaculated by the male during copulation. These materials coagulate into the ectospermatophore that momentarily encloses the male genital aperture. This is followed quickly by masses of elongated prospermia and seminal fluids that flow into the ectospermatophore, causing it to balloon and turn opaque. Next, a second viscous droplet is introduced which forms the bilobed endospermatophore. This also seals the spermatophore. A single endospermatophore occurs in ixodid ticks, but two endospermatophores commonly occur in argasid ticks. When completed, the entire spermatophore is seized by the male's chelicerae as itemerges from the male genital aperture. Then, using its chelicerae, the male transfers the spermatophore to the female's genital aperture and implants it into the vestibular vagina. Saliva is secreted to lubricate the female's genital area to facilitate the process. Meanwhile, CO2 generated within the spermatophore creates sufficient pressure to force the masses of elongated prospermia and semen into the endospermatophore (s), which everts, expands and passes out the external spermatophore and into the female's genital tract. The ectospermatophore remains as an empty sac on the external surface of the female, where it soons dries, shrivels and falls off. default_namespace portion of organism substance