Ultrastructural Studies on the Female Reproductive System of the Leafhopper Euscelidius Variegatus Kirschbaum (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) II. The Vitellarium Oocytes and Follicular Epithelium

Abstract

The oocytes of Euscelidius variegatus Kirschbaum could be arbitrarily divided into 8 sequential sizes. The nucleus (including nucleolus), mitochondria, dense bodies, and vacuoles were clearly seen. All oocytes contained microvilli suggesting ‘active’ solute transport from the surrounding areas. Vitellogenesis began at oocyte 4. Yolk reserves in the form of protein and lipid spheres appeared to be accumulated, and were particularly abundant at oocytes 6 and 7. At oocyte 8 a chorion enclosed the fully mature egg. The follicular epithelium might be active in nutrient syntheses and transport to the oocytes. The presence of abundant rough en-doplasmic reticula, mitochondria, and dense bodies suggested these functions. Nutrients might be derived both from the germarium through the trophic cord and the follicular epithelium. © 1995, Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology. All rights reserved.