Abstract Scarabaeidae includes many phytophagous beetles, many of which are significant agricultural pests. Despite their importance, research on the reproductive tract of this family remains limited, and existing studies are mostly restricted to drawings and light microscopy. In fact, there is no study on this subject belonging to this genus. Therefore, in this study, we examined the histology and anatomy of the male reproductive tract in Oxythyrea funesta (Poda, 1761) using light and scanning electron microscopy. Our findings revealed that the reproductive system of O. funesta comprises two testes, vasa deferentia, seminal vesicles, accessory glands with reservoirs, an ejaculatory duct, and an aedeagus. Each testis lobe contains approximately 40 testicular follicles with growth, maturation, and differentiation zones. Spermatozoa are transported from the vas deferens to the seminal vesicles. The vas deferens and seminal vesicles are lined with a single layer of cuboidal epithelium and surrounded by a muscle layer. The accessory glands open into the ejaculatory duct via a large, pouch-like reservoir. This study provides a foundation for future comparative examination of the male reproductive tract in Scarabaeidae, including Oxythyrea. Additionally, it contributes to systematic studies by highlighting morphological similarities and differences when compared with other species.
Koçakoğlu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.