1963] 
Abalos and Baez — Spermatic Transmission 
203 
once. In the male, the apical element comprises a large portion of 
the embolus and no definite place of breaking exists (figs. 12, 27). 
The epigynum and the seminal receptacles of other Argiope are 
similar to those of the foregoing species, and the male element is also 
very similar (fig. 14), though smaller (less than 0.5 mm) (figs. 15, 
2S) . 
The apical element of another undetermined species of Argiopidae 
is similar to that of Metepeira sp. ; its shape is as in figures 8, 9. The 
element is strongly anchored in the seminal receptacle; more data 
are not available as it could not be removed without damage, and its 
position was not favorable for detailed observation. No additional 
females could be obtained, and the complete male apparatus is not 
known. 
The situation is similar in Metepeira Candida (Simon), where the 
apical element shown in figures 10 and 11 is anchored in the seminal 
receptacle. 
In the theridiid, Achaearanea tepidariorum (C. L. Koch), the 
male apical element is found in the interior of the seminal receptacle 
(figs. 16, 29). The connecting canal of the female is short and 
sclerotized. The short, stout male embolus (figs. 17, 30) is abruptly 
narrowed near its conical apex, and at the constriction ends a deli- 
cately transversly striate region containing an internal tube of dif- 
ferent structure (fig. 18). It is the portion beyond the striate region 
that remains in the seminal receptacle after mating; it is canaliculate 
(fig. 19) and its maximum length is 75 microns. 
We are not yet able to interpret the function of the apical element, 
but suggest that in the above mentioned species, transfer of the 
seminal mass might be by spermatophore, supported by the apical 
element. 
In other arachnid orders sperm transmission is by spermatophores. 
In solpugids, the male emits a sperm mass which he picks up and 
kneads with his chelicerae, introducing it subsequently into the female 
genital openings; this sperm-mass is called, by Millot and Vachon 
( 1949) and other authors, spermatophore. 
In some mites the male transfers a spermatophore to the female 
Explanation of Plate 22 
Figs. 12-15. Argiope arg entata. Fig. 12. Location of embolus in palpus. 
Fig. 13. Epigynum with male element in atrium. Fig. 14. Apical element. 
Fig. 15. Seminal receptacles with apical element.-Baez del. 
Figs. 16-19. Achaearanea tepidariorum. Fig. 16. Seminal receptacles con- 
taining apical elements. Fig. 17. Embolus of male palpus. Fig. 18. Embolus 
tip. Fig. 19. Apical element showing several faces. -Baez del. 
