END-PIECE FORMATION DURING SPERMIOGENESIS OF SCOLOPENDROMORPHA (CHILOPODA)

End-piece formation during spermiogenesis of two species of Scolopendromorpha, namely Scolopendra cingulata and S. clavipes, was examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Four important steps characterized the morphogenetic process: 1) preservation of a cytoplasmic appendage (plume) at the end of the tail; 2) formation of a short, longitudinally striated manchette; 3) migration of this structure inside the plume; 4) removal of superfluous cytoplasm from the plume. These findings are discussed and compared with those of other Centipede orders.