Spermatheca

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The spermatheca is an organ of the female reproductive tract in insects, some molluscs, and certain other invertebrates. Its purpose is to receive and store sperm from the male, and it is usually the site of fertilization when the oocytes are ready. Some species have multiple spermathecae. They are lined with epithelium and are variable in shape; some are thin, heavily coiled tubes, others are vague outpocketings from the main reproductive tract.

An apiculturist may examine the spermatheca of a queen bee to find out whether or not it has received sperm from a male.

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