Ligula (Octopodidae)

Hectocotyledon arm of an Octopodidae

The ligula is a connecting structure at the tip of the hectocotylus in most species of the family Octopodidae .

features

The shape of the ligula differs between the individual species and is usually spatula or spoon-shaped. It is located at the tip of the hectocotyledon arm of the males. It is inserted into the fallopian tube of the female during mating and transfers the spermatophores that lie on the hectocotylus in the form of clusters of sperm. The spermatophores pass through a groove on the hectocotyledon arm from the terminal organ, which lies within the mantle cavity, to the ligula. At the base of the ligula is the calamus . This is a conical papillus or process of the arm, close to the outside (distal) of the last suction cup, at the opening of the sperm groove.

Individual evidence

↑ ^a ^b ^c Cephalopods of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalog of cephalopod species known to date (p. 27)
↑ P. Jereb, Clyde FE Roper: Cephalopods of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Catalog of Cephalopod Species Known to Date. Volume 1: Chambered nautiluses and sepioids (Nautilidae, Sepiidae, Sepiolidae, Sepiadariidae, Idiosepiidae, and Spirulidae). FAO, Rome 2005. ISBN 978-92-5105383-6 . Glossary, on page 23.

[cw-1] Cephalopods of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalog of cephalopod species known to date (p. 27)

[2] P. Jereb, Clyde FE Roper: Cephalopods of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Catalog of Cephalopod Species Known to Date. Volume 1: Chambered nautiluses and sepioids (Nautilidae, Sepiidae, Sepiolidae, Sepiadariidae, Idiosepiidae, and Spirulidae). FAO, Rome 2005. ISBN 978-92-5105383-6 . Glossary, on page 23.