Ovulation and post-ovulation changes in the terminal region of the ovarioles of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Detachment of the follicular epithelium from the chorion occurs prior to the passage of the mature egg into the calyx lumen, resulting in a mature oocyte lying free in an epithelial sac. The mature oocytes rupture the epithelial sac, including the tunica propria at the posterior pole, then break through the basal (or granular basal) bodies to enter the calyx lumen. Just after ovulation, the formerly terminal parts of the ovariole remain attached to the posterior end of the egg sac near its opening. The terminal parts then undergo changes in conjunction with complete degeneration of the egg sac and development of the basal body. They cannot be used for age determination of females.