hectocotylus
Quick Summary
The term "hectocotylus" refers to a specialized arm found in male cephalopods, such as squids and octopuses. This modified arm is adapted for reproduction, specifically for transferring spermatophores (sperm packets) to the female. In some species, like argonauts and certain octopuses, the hectocotylus can detach from the male and be inserted into the female's mantle cavity to fertilize her eggs. The process of developing or bearing such an arm is known as hectocotylization. This unique anatomical feature plays a crucial role in the reproductive behavior of these mollusks.1234
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molluskReproduction and life cycles…by a modified arm, or hectocotylus. Copulation in solenogasters, often by means of a special genital cone, may be supported by copulatory stylets. Various penis formations, in part with copulatory stylets, or darts, are widely found in gastropods.
Read More…by a modified arm, or hectocotylus. Copulation in solenogasters, often by means of a special genital cone, may be supported by copulatory stylets. Various penis formations, in part with copulatory stylets, or darts, are widely found in gastropods.
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cephalopodReproduction and life cycles…a specially modified arm, the hectocotylus. The hectocotylized arm of Octopus bears a deep groove on one side, ending in a spoonlike terminal organ. In Argonauta and Tremoctopus the arm is highly modified and in mating is autotomized (self-amputated) and left within the mantle cavity of the female. In the…
Read More…a specially modified arm, the hectocotylus. The hectocotylized arm of Octopus bears a deep groove on one side, ending in a spoonlike terminal organ. In Argonauta and Tremoctopus the arm is highly modified and in mating is autotomized (self-amputated) and left within the mantle cavity of the female. In the…
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