title: A peculiar new virus-spermatozoon association in the bug Raphigaster nebulosa (Poda) (Heteroptera-Insecta).
abstract: The sperm of the heteropteran bug Raphigaster nebulosa (Poda) are of two types, differing in length and size of their flagella. The thicker sperm are shorter than the thinner ones and have large mitochondrial derivatives. The presence of virus particles associated with the plasma membrane of thinner sperm is described for the first time; thicker sperm are immune to virus infection. The fact that virus particles are present on thinner sperm only initiates considerations on the transmission of virus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy. Electronic address: david.mercati@unisi.it.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mercati
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy. Electronic address: romano.dallai@unisi.it.
authors.forename: Romano
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dallai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D020062:Heteroptera / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D012209:Rhabdoviridae / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology
keywords: Heteroptera; Insect sperm; Rhabdovirus; Sperm dimorphism; TEM