Annual Cycle of the Seminiferous Epithelium of Miniopterus schreibersi fuliginosus

The characteristics of the testis and the annual cycle of the seminiferous epithelium of the Miniopterus schreibersi fuliginosus were examined by optical microscopy. The testis weight and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were increased gradually from May to July, and the highest activity was observed in August. The size then decreased rapidly from October. Spermatogenesis began in May, peaked in August, and was suspended from October to April in the following year. Spermatocytogenesis were produced from May to July. Spermiogenesis occurred from August to September. In particular, immature spematogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules were engulfed by the phagocytosis of Sertoli cells in October. From November to April, the seminiferous tubuly contained only Sertoli cells and Ad spermatogonia. Therefore, the periodic changes in the seminiferous epithelium of M. S. fuliginosus suggest that a long hibernation is an adaptive strategy for the preservation of energy and the regulation of the breeding cycle.