FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN OXYCARENUS LAETUS KIRBY (HETEROPTERA : LYGAEIDAE)
R. SANDHU *
Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Patiala – 147 002, India.
B. KAUR *
Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Patiala – 147 002, India.
H. KAUR *
Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Patiala – 147 002, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The telotrophic ovary of Oxycarenus laetus is composed of seven ovarioles, each with an apical germarium and a basal vitellarium. The germarium is occupied by mono-, bi-, and multinucleate trophocytes, prefollicular tissue and oogonia. The trophocytes break down to pour their contents into the trophic core which, in turn, supplies nourishment to the growing oocytes through nutritive cords. The vitellarium consists of four oocytes, arranged in order of maturity. Each oocyte is surrounded by the follicular epithelium and is separated from the adjacent one by the interfollicular tissue. The ovaries open into lateral oviducts which join to form the median oviduct before opening into the genital chamber. A single female accessory gland and a spermatheca also open into the genital chamber.
Keywords: Reproductive system,, Oxycarenus laetus