Morphology of the female reproductive organ of the Oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala F. (Diptera, Calliphoridae)

Abstract

The female reproductive organ of Chrysomya megacephala F. consists of paired ovaries, lateral oviducts, a common oviduct, 3 spermatothecae and paired accessory glands. Each ovary is formed of about 100 to 110 polytrophic ovarioles. Externally, each ovariole is enclosed by a thin tunica propria. The common oviduct has syncytial epithelium lined by a thin intima. The duct has both longitudinal and circular muscles. The vagina is distinguishable into anterior and posterior portions. The posterior vagina has longitudinal as well as circular muscles but the anterior vagina has only circular muscle layer. Out of 3 rounded spermatothecae the 2 of one side are loosely bound together. Each spermatotheca is bounded with cuboidal epithelial layer. The cell has a prominent vacuole in the apical half which is filled with secretory material for the benefit of spermatozoa. The paired accessory glands open separately into the genital chamber. These glands show maximum activity during the breeding period.