Observations on the ovulation and oviposition with reference to corpus luteum formation in Musca domestica nebulo Fabr. (Muscidae: Diptera)

Summary

There are two ovaries with 41 to 51 polytrophic ovarioles. Copulation starts 20 to 30 hours after emergence and lasts for 30 to 45 min. A single mating is enough to make the female lay viable eggs throughout life. The ovulation takes place some time before the oviposition and a single ovum is ovulated from each ovariole at a time. The oviposition takes place in batches. The number of eggs in successive batches is not constant. Average interval between the successive batches ranges from 1·0 to 1·5 days. Anatomy and histology of the corpus luteum is described.