A topographical and histological study of the male genital accessory gland complex of Boophilus microplus was undertaken. Ten lobes were found, the most prominent of which is the single dorso-median lobe, subdivided into antero-dorsal and postero-dorsal lobes. The other lobes are: a pair of postero-ventral lobes, a pair of lateral lobes (subdivided into dorso-lateral and postero-lateral lobes), a pair of antero-ventral lobes, a single medio-ventral lobe and a pair of latero-ventral lobes. These lobes were observed to present individual topographical and histological characteristics, with independent openings, hence the conclusion is that they form a gland complex. The secretory nature of the dorso-median lobe duct was also analysed.
male reproductive system; genital accessory glands; ticks; Ixodidae
