Oogenesis and Involvement of Chorionic Structures in Ephemeropteran Taxonomy

  • Massimo Mazzini
  • Elda Gaino
Conference paper
Part of the Series Entomologica book series (SENT, volume 44)

Abstract

The ovarian development of Habrophlebia eldae Jacob & Sartori 1984 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) was examined ultrastructurally with a view to characterize the follicle cell-oocyte interaction in relation to vitellogenesis. The transition from the previtellogenic to the vitellogenic stage with differentiation of the follicular epithelium including its junctional system, and the development of the oocyte were observed. Postvitellogenic development entails deposition of egg envelopes as follows: first the vitelline layer, then the endochorion, the exochorion and lastly a layer of mucous-like material containing fibrils and dense bodies of paracrystalline structure.

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations carried out on eggs of 21 species of Ephemeroptera belonging to the Leptophlebiidae and Heptageniidae, pointed out a fine chorionic decoration that differs according to taxonomic position. In fact the organization of the shell surface, the fine morphology of both micropyles and attachment structures could be used for taxonomic purposes in addition to other morphological data on adults and nymphs.

Keywords

Follicle Cell Follicular Epithelium Scan Electron Microscope View Attachment Structure Vitellogenic Stage 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Kluwer Academic Publishers 1990

Authors and Affiliations

  • Massimo Mazzini
    • 1
  • Elda Gaino
    • 2
  1. 1.Istituto di ZoologiaSassariItaly
  2. 2.Istituto di ZoologiaGenovaItaly

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