Polyploidization and production of abnormal spermatids inPsophus stridulus (Orthoptera)

Summary Abnormal spermatids exhibiting variation in the number of adjunct centrioles (ACs) (from two to eight) have been analyzed in a spontaneous mutant grasshopper characterized by a high tendency to form polyploid meiocytes. Results show that the observed polyploidization of these cells increases the number of abnormal gametes and, although diploid spermatids (with two ACs) are the most frequent, higher levels of ploidy are also produced. The variation in the number of ACs, the level of ploidy in the sperm and the presence of polyploid meiocytes, are topics briefly discussed.