336 KANSAS UNIVERSITY SCIENCE BULLETIN. 



tions of the hard parts and so he does not explain the functions 

 of the parts of this organ. 



Lespes describes this apparatus ''charged with the formation 

 of the spermatophore" as follows : 



"It is situated at the posterior part of the ejaculatory duct 

 and may be considered as a part of the genital armature. In 

 the field cricket this armature is formed, first, by a curved plate 

 composed of many pieces extending to the right and left and 

 united by a tough membrane ; and second, by a very remarkable 

 independent inferior part. The plate itself is composed of six 

 solid pieces. Above is a kind of shield-like piece which is 

 easily divided along the median line. Posteriorly it ends in 

 three hooks, of which the middle one plays an important part 

 in copulation. To the right and left are long slender rods upon 

 which are inserted the fleshy pallets which support the vesicle 

 of the spermatophore. Below this shield are two others, thin 

 and curved, with an irregular contour. Finally, on the inferior 

 face of the dorsal shield are two small, slender plates. During 

 copulation the median hook only enters the vagina and serves 

 to conduct the plate of the spermatophore. The independent 

 piece is formed in front by a sort of short stylet which is ap- 

 plied to the inferior face of the plate of which I have just 

 spoken. At the base this stylet enlarges, changes its nature 

 and forms a white plate with cross striations. This plate is 

 bent along its length, forming an irregular circle. It is swollen 

 into a very thin vesicle situated under the genital armature 

 and in front of the two pallets which support the ampulla of 

 the spermatophore. This pocket is largely open in front and 

 under the genital armature. The ejaculatory duct, after 

 having passed around the lower part of the spermatophore 

 pouch, ends near this opening. 



"This white plate is the organ for the production of the 

 spermatophore. On its convex surface is a transparent line 

 in which is formed the tube which holds the thread of the 

 spermatophore. The size of the plate is greater at the two 

 ends. At the terminal part of the enlarged inferior portion 

 ends the ejaculatory duct." 



Lespes claims to have seen the spermatophore while it was 

 forming. "It had a very thin membrane. When completely 

 formed the vesicle was removed out to the place between the 

 two fleshy pallets, and the plate and the thread remained in 



