Abstract: To clarify the relation of the structure of male accessory glands from Gampsocleis gratiosa Brunner von Wattenwyl with their functions, we examined the ultrastructure of male accessory glands using transmission electron microscope, and explored their roles in spermatodesms using differential interference contrast microscope. The results revealed that all gland tubules of the male accessory glands are histologically similar. The epithelium is always monolayered and devoid of cuticular intima, suggesting its mesodermic origin. There are abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and Golgi bodies in the epithelial cells, displaying features of protein synthesis and secretion. There are four types of secretions in gland lumen, including electron-transparent granules, electrondense granules, fine granular material and villous spherical material. The epithelial cells mainly discharge secretions into the gland lumen by apocrine or merocrine mechanisms. Secretions of short opalescent glands are involved in disorganization of the spermatodesms with ‘cap’, and secretions from long opalescent glands and hyaline glands are important to maintain spermatodesms. The results lay a foundation for further understanding the physiological function of male accessory glands in tettigoniids.

Key words: Orthoptera, Gampsocleis gratiosa, male accessory glands, ultrastructure, spermatodesm, physiological function