Antennal sensory structures in Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) is a leafhopper vector of a phytoplasma disease, the Flavescence dorée (FD), belonging to the vine yellows group. A scanning and transmission electron microscope study has been carried out to investigate the antennal sensory structures. The first two segments, the scape and the pedicel, are short, covered by cuticular scales and devoid of sensilla, with exception of some scattered hairs on the pedicel. The flagellum consists of a unique, elongated segment in which numerous subunits can be recognized, being separated by a sort of cuticular crown. The proximal five subunits bear most of the sensilla. We discovered the presence of single- and double-walled coeloconic sensilla, campaniform sensilla, basiconic sensilla, and trichoid sensilla. A scolopidium is located within the proximal region of the flagellum. Ultrastructural investigations suggest that the antennal sensilla could be involved in the perception of air-borne vibrations, temperature, and humidity variations. The most relevant feature is the extreme reduction of the olfactory sensilla, both in terms of number of sensory structures and sensory neurons per sensillum. The strong reduction in antennal olfactory sensilla to which this specie has undergone is discussed as possible consequence of the specificity toward the host plant.     

Ultrastructure and distribution of antennal sensilla of the chilli thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, is a serious pest of numerous important vegetable and ornamental crops. Various signals, especially phytochemical cues, determine the behavior of the phytophagous thrips at host selection. The sensory abilities of S. dorsalis are poorly understood although the antennae of adult are known to possess important sensory structures in orther insects. In this study, the morphology, distribution, and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the S. dorsalis were examined by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Microscopy observations revealed that adult male and female S. dorsalis possess filiform antennae. Each antenna comprises a scape, a pedicel, and a flagellum composed of six segments without clear sexual dimorphism in the number and distribution of antennal sensilla. The scape and pedicel exhibit Böhm's bristles, sensilla chaetica, and sensilla campaniform. The external structures of these organs reveal their mechanosensory function. In the flagellum, the most represented sensilla are the multiporous sensilla basiconica, which can be divided into three types of single‐walled olfactory sensilla; three types of sensilla chaetica with mechanosensory and gustatory functions; sensilla coeloconica, which possess hollow cuticular spoke channels and represent double‐walled olfactory sensilla; sensilla capitula and sensilla cavity with thermo‐hygrosensory functions; and aporous sensilla trichodea with smooth cuticula and mechanosensory function. The putative function of described sensilla is discussed in ralation to host plant selection behavior of S. dorsalis.     

Ultrastructure of the external sensory apparatus of Gyrodactylus gasterostei Gläser, 1974

The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the ultrastructure of gyrodactylid sensilla and to ascertain how these may be employed in the colonisation of new hosts using the Gyrodactylus gasterostei Gläser, 1974—Gasterosteus aculeatus L. model. As Gyrodactylus has no specific transmission stage in its life‐cycle, movement between hosts must be achieved by strategies employed by the adult. This study suggests that certain sensilla, presented for the first time in Gyrodactylus gasterostei, may serve as chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors and possible photoreceptors. The results of this study provide photographic data using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) concerning the sensory structures that are found on the tegument and in the sub‐tegumental zone of G. gasterostei that infect 3‐spine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.). For this reason, it is vital to understand the factors underlying transmission to a new host, and a detailed, ultrastructural examination of the sensory structures that are used may improve current understanding of the receptors that Gyrodactylus species employ to interpret both their host and ambient environments. Such information may assist in the interpretation of transmission behaviors, particularly their responses to chemical or physical cues which gyrodactylids employ in host location during the transmission process. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:740–747, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Olfactory sensilla on antennae and maxillary palps of Fannia hirticeps (Stein, 1892) (Diptera: Fanniidae)

The Fanniidae is one of four families in the superfamily Muscoidea (Diptera), including some important medical and hygienic flies. There is a paucity of reports on the ultrastructure of olfactory sensilla for the fanniid species. To provide more information on the morphology of the antennal and palpal sensilla of fanniid fly, Fannia hirticeps (Stein, 1892) has been studied using scanning electron microscopy. The first two antennal segments, scape and pedicel, are covered by microtrichiae and several chaetic sensilla. Six distinct morphological types of sensilla are recorded on the antennal funiculus, including one trichoid, two basiconic, two coeloconic sensilla, and one clavate sensilla. The measurement and density of each sensilla type are also provided. The trichoid sensilla tend to be longer and denser toward the apex of antennal funiculus. Basiconic sensilla spread all over the funicular surface. F. hirticeps bears two types of coeloconic sensilla, type 2 coeloconic sensilla distributed on the distal part of the anterior surface, whereas type 1 distributed on the rest of the funiculus. Clavate sensilla are found on the base of antennal funiculus. Only one large sensory pit is located on the posterior surface. Maxillary palps bear one type of basiconic sensilla. These results are compared with eight other muscid flies. Our findings provide a morphological basis for future investigations on olfactory‐mediated behavior of this group. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of Erannis ankeraria Staudinger (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Erannis ankeraria Staudinger, 1861 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is one of the major pests causing serious damages on Larix spp., Quercus L., and Picea Mill. To investigate the conceivable functions of antennal sensilla associated with pheromone detection, we observed the ultrastructure of antennae in female and male of E. ankeraria moths by scanning electron microscopy. Six types (including two subtypes and a new type) of sensilla were recorded and characterized, including Sensilla trichodea (ST I and ST II), Böhm bristles, Sensilla squamiformia, Sensilla chaetica, Sensilla auricillic (SAU) and newly observed serrate‐like sensilla. ST I and SAU were abundant on male antennae, displaying a sexual dismorphism. Serrate‐like sensilla were also peculiar to male antennae. In summary of reported functions of corresponding sensilla, we presumed putative functions of the recorded sensilla in E. ankeraria, providing the morphological basis for sensory mechanisms related to pest management.     

Phylogenetic relationship of seven Dendrolimus (lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) species based on the ultrastructure of male moths' antennae and antennal sensilla

The morphology and ultrastructure of the antennae and antennal sensilla of seven male Dendrolimus species and a male Trabala vishnou gigantina (Yang) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) were examined by light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Six morphological types of antennal sensilla were identified: Sensilla trichodea, Sensilla chaetica, Sensilla styloconica, Sensilla coeloconica, Böhm bristles, and foot‐like sensilla. Six of the Dendrolimus moths and Trabala vishnou gigantina Yang share the same antennal sensilla type, as do various geographic populations of the same species. The exception, Dendrolimus spectabilis Butler, has foot‐like sensilla. However, the antennal sensilla subtypes were significantly different among species and/or populations. There were no remarkable differences in the width of the scape, pedicel, subflagellum, and the side‐branches between the eight male species studied. However, we observed significant differences in the number of flagellomere and the length of scape, pedicel, subflagellums, and side‐branches. The length and basal diameter of various types of antennal sensilla did not vary significantly among Dendrolimus moths. Beyond that, there were no differences among populations of the same kind of species. Hierarchical cluster analysis found two clusters: the first contained D. punctata punctata (Walker), D. punctata wenshanensis (Tsai et Liu), D. tabulaeformis (Tsai et Liu), and D. spectabilis and D. superans (Butler), and the second contained D. grisea (Moore) and D. kikuchii kikuchii (Matsumura). Trabala vishnou gigantina was placed separately from the two clusters. We conclude that D. punctata wenshanensis,D. tabulaeformis, and D. spectabilis are geographic subspecies of D. punctata punctata. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ultrastructural observations on antennal sensilla of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. Eight morphological types of sensillum were recorded in both sexes: sensilla trichodea (S. trichodea), sensilla basiconc (S. basiconc), sensilla coeloconica (S. coeloconica), sensilla styloconica (S. styloconica), sensilla squamous (S. squamous), sensilla auricillica (S. auricillica), B?hm bristles (B. bristles), and sensilla cavity (S. cavity). S. trichodea were the most abundant sensilla and were distributed over the entire antennal surface. Four different types of S. trichodea and S. basiconc were observed. The number of S. basiconc and S. coeloconica of males were greater than those of females of C. medinalis. S. squamous formed on the dorsal part of the antenna, as a cluster in females and as in a line in males. Higher magnification revealed that S. basiconc had an olfactory function, while the character of longer length of these sensilla suggested that they also played a rolein sensing mechanical or other chemical stimuli. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of S. squamous revealed nonporous walls suggesting a non-olfactory function. S. coeloconica, S. styloconica, and S. cavity may be involved in the perception of humidity, temperature, heat, and CO?. Because of their particular location, we infer that B. bristles may function in sensing the position and movements of the antennae, while the function of S. auricillica is as yet unknown. The results obtained provide direct morphological evidence that antennae possess structures that can play a role in finding mates and locating host plants.     

Ultrastructure of sensilla on the maxillary and labial palps of the adult Xylotrechus grayii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

The longhorn beetle, Xylotrechus grayii (White, 1855), is a serious woodborer pest of many economic and medicinal plants. The maxillary and labial palps of X. grayii adults are strongly involved in mating and host selection behaviors. To further develop control strategies of the pest, sensilla on the palps were studied with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Five types of sensilla (nine subtypes) were identified: sensilla styloconica (four subtypes, Sty1‐4), sensilla chaetica (2 subtypes, SC1‐2), sensilla digitiformia (Di), sensilla basiconica (Ba), and Böhm sensilla (Bm). Sty and Ba have dendrites and wall pores. SC2 has a tubular body. Di exist only on the terminal segment of the maxillary palp. Sty numbers are the highest in both palps, followed by SC. The number of sensilla in the maxillary palp is significantly higher than that in the labial palp. There are no significant sexual differences in sensilla types, characteristics, distribution, and quantity in the maxillary or labial palps, except for the number of SC sensilla on the maxillary palp. Sensilla functions were compared with correlative sensilla in previous studies. Sty may be sense gustation and olfaction stimulation, while SC are mechanoreceptors. Ba are likely thermo‐ and hygroreceptors. The phylliform depression area formed by Di may exert multiple functions. Bm may sense palp position and movement. These results contribute to the study of the electrophysiology and behavior mechanisms of X. grayii.     

Morphology and ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of the parasitic wasp Baryscapus dioryctriae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Baryscapus dioryctriae is an endoparasitic wasp in the pupae of many Pyralidae pests, such as Dioryctria mendacella, Ostrinia furnacalis, and Chilo suppressalis. To provide requisite background for our ongoing research on the mechanisms of host location in B. dioryctriae, the morphology, abundance, distribution, and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla were investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The geniculate antennae of B. dioryctriae are composed of scape, pedicel, and flagellum. Eight types of sensilla including Böhm sensilla, chaetica, trichodea, basiconic capitate peg, campaniformia, placodea, coeloconica, and sensilla styloconicum with a long hair were identified on both sexes. Sexual dimorphism exists in the antennae of B. dioryctriae. The number of flagellomere in males is over females, and the subtypes and abundance of sensilla are also different between the sexes. Additionally, the possible functions of distinct sensilla were discussed, which varies from olfaction, contact chemoreceptive, mechanoreception to hygro-/thermoreception, especially, the sensilla trichodea and placodea might be involved in olfactory perception in B. dioryctriae. These results provide an essential basis for further study on chemical communication between B. dioryctriae and their hosts, and contribute to the development of B. dioryctriae becoming an effective biocontrol agent against the pests of agriculture and forestry.     

Antennal morphology and sensilla ultrastructure of three tomicus species (coleoptera: Curculionidae,scolytinae)

The antennal morphology and sensilla ultrastructure of Tomicus yunnanensis, T. minor, and T. brevipilosus were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Eight common sensilla types were recorded: (1) sensilla trichodea (S.tr.) types 1 and 2 were located on the club and were innervated by five and eight dendrites, respectively; (2) sensilla chaetica (S.ch.) types 1 and 2 had no dendrites in the sensilla lymph lumen; (3) sensilla basiconica (S.b.), top‐protuberated S.b. and fluted cones (Fl.c.) occurred on the club; and Böhm bristles (B.b.) occurred on the funicle. S.b. were the most abundant and were innervated by 10–14 dendritic branches. Top‐protuberated S.b., a new sensilla type, were innervated by one dendrite. Fl.c. were innervated by five dendrites. Only three sensilla furcatea were visible on the antennae of female T. yunnanensis. The possible functions of these sensilla are discussed in relation to their morphology and ultrastructure. No statistical differences between sexes were found in the size and numbers of each sensilla type. Although the three species had similar antennal morphology and sensilla type, sensilla on sub‐segments 3 and 4 of the antennal club of T. minor were much sparser than those of T. yunnanensis or T. brevipilosus. Concerning the antennae of T. yunnanensis, there were more S.tr. type 2, S.ch. type 2 and S.b. and the size of S.tr. type 1 and S.b. were significantly greater than those of T. minor. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effect of Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng leaf extracts on the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt: a scanning electron microscope study

Scanning electron microscopic study revealed some remarkable adverse effects of Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng leaf extract on cuticular and antennal sensilla of the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. The study appears to be the first of its kind in providing evidence on toxic property of the plant on certain agricultural pests, although the indigenous tribes of the region know the insecticidal property of the plant for a long time. The study further provides indications regarding the neurotoxic nature of the leaf extract since it has caused abnormalities in the sensory structures. The presence of prominent swellings in some sensilla and shrinkage in others suggests that the leaf extract affects different systems through different mechanisms. The possible use of the plant as a potential biopesticide against certain insect pests is discussed.     

Antennal sensilla of the pine weevil Pissodes nitidus Roel. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The antennal sensilla of the pine weevil (Pissodes nitidus Roel.) were observed with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The weevil antenna consists of a long scape, a pedicel, and a flagellum with 10 segments; the last four flagellum segments are fused, forming the antennal club, which is densely covered by various sensilla. In both sexes, six types of sensilla, sensilla palmate 1‐4, sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichoid, sensilla basiconic 1‐2, sensilla rod‐like 1‐3, sensilla falciform, were identified. Sensilla palmate represent a unique sensillum type in the Pissodes genus, and named here after their palmate shape, also represent the most abundant sensillum type. The TEM analysis of sensilla palmate represents the first such analysis of this sensillum type, and we speculate that the sensilla have an olfactory function. The sensilla trichoid and chaetica were evenly distributed on the three or four hair bands of the club, with much lower numbers than the palmate sensilla. No significant sexual differences in the types, numbers, and distribution of the antennal sensilla were found except for the size. TEM observation indicated that sensilla chaetica and trichoid may function as olfactory sensors. The putative functions of other sensilla type were also discussed with reference to their morphology, distribution, and ultrastructure. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Distribution and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the grape weevil Naupactus xanthographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The grape weevil, Naupactus xanthographus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a polyphagous insect native to southern South America that causes considerable damage in grape and other fruit species. In this study, the morphology and ultrastructure of the antennae and the antennal sensilla of N. xanthographus were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The antennae consist of a scape, a pedicel, a funicle, and a zone called the “club,” which are all formed by a total of 12 antennomers. Different types of sensilla were observed: sensilla trichoidea, sensilla chaetica type 1 and 2, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla rod‐like. No sexual dimorphism was observed. The possible functions of the sensilla are discussed in relation to their morphology and ultrastructure.     

Asymmetrical distribution of antennal sensilla in the female Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae)

Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is an important egg parasitoid of several major insect pests. To better understand its host finding mechanisms, the antennal sensilla of female wasp were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Sensilla chaetica were found mainly on radicle and pedicel segments of the antennae. i-Type sensilla, s. campaniformia, and corneous sensilla were detected on the leeward side, while s. coeloconica and lance sensilla were presented on the windward side of the antennae. S. trichodea and s. basiconica were more abundant on the leeward side than on the windward side of the antennae. More s. placodea were found on the windward side than on the leeward side of the right antenna, while the opposite results were observed on the left antenna. Overall, more s. placodea were found on the right antenna than that on the left antenna. The numbers of s. trichodea and s. basiconica on the clava or the third flagellum antennomere of the right antenna were more than those of the left antenna, whereas their distribution patterns on the other corresponding antennomeres were reverse. Our results showed that there is a strong asymmetrical antennal sensilla distribution quantitatively and spatially between the left and right antennae. Placoid sensilla are present more on the right antenna than on the left antenna. S. campaniformia, corneous sensilla, and i-type sensilla were found only on the leeward side of the antennal clava, while their external morphology and potential functions were described and discussed in detail for the first time.     

Ultrastructure of male reproductive system of Eurydema ventrale Kolenati 1846 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

The male reproductive system of Eurydema ventrale Kolenati 1846 is studied morphologically and histologically by using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The reproductive system of the male E.ventrale consists of a pair of testis, a pair of vas deferens, a pair of seminal vesicles, accessory glands, a bulbus ejaculatorius, a pair of ectodermal sacs, and a ductus ejaculatorius. The testicular follicles have three different development zones (growth zone, maturation zone, and differentiation zone). The testes are connected to the seminal vesicles by the vas deferens that is a specialized in sperm storage. Sperm have an elongated head and a tail (flagellum) with an axonema and two mitochondrial derivatives. Vas deferens and seminal vesicles are fine, long, and cylindrical. The seminal vesicle is connected with bulbus ejaculatorius, which is balloon shaped and surrounded with accessory glands. The bulbus ejaculatorius is continuous with ductus ejaculatorius which is connected to the aedeagus. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:643–653, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Morphology, ultrastructure, and implied function of ciliated sensory structures on the developmental stages of Merizocotyle icopae (Monogenea: Monocotylidae)

Experimental infections were used to track the fate of the dorsal sensilla of Merizocotyle icopae (Monogenea: Monocotylidae) from nasal tissue of the shovelnose ray, Rhinobatos typus (Rhinobatidae). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that 3 types of uniciliate dorsal sensilla exist at different times in the development of the monogenean. Type 1 sensilla have little or no invagination where the cilium exits the distal end of the dendrite and possess a ring of epidermis surrounding the cilium distal to the invagination. Type 2 sensilla have a deep invagination where the cilium exits the dendrite. Type 3 sensilla can be distinguished from the other types by the shape of the dendrite. The larvae have predominantly Type 1 dorsal sensilla, most of which are lost approximately 24 h after infection and a few Type 2 sensilla, which are retained. Additional Type 2 sensilla (termed Adult Type 2 sensilla), which are slightly different morphologically from the Type 2 sensilla of the larvae, form in later stages of development. Numerous Type 3 sensilla are unique to the dorsal surface of adults. Loss of all Type 1 sensilla upon attachment to the host, R. typus, suggests that these may be chemo- or mechanoreceptors responsible for host location by the swimming infective larvae. Type 2 sensilla appear to be important in the larvae, juveniles, and adults whereas the modality mediated by Type 3 is specific to adults.     

Antennal sensilla and ovipositor morphology of the European birch sawfly Arge pullata Zadd (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae,Argidae)

Arge pullata Zadd is an important phytophagous pest that damages red birch Betula albo‐sinensis in Hubei Province, South China. Massive ecological and economic losses have been caused by this species, which threatens the ecological security of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve. To investigate the mechanoreception, chemoreception, and oviposition processes of A. pullata, scanning electron microscopy and optical confocal microscopy were used to reveal the typology, morphology, and distribution of ovipositor and antennal sensilla. The results show that A. pullata has clavate antennae and eight types of sensilla in total, including sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea (types 1–3), sensilla basiconica, sensilla coeloconica (types 1 and 2), and Böhm's bristles. Sensilla trichodea type 1 distributed only on male antennae; the densities of sensilla trichodea type 2 and sensilla basiconica differed between the sexes. The binding pattern of ovipositor valvulae was discovered, and one type of sensilla chaetica, two types of sensory pits, and tooth‐like cones as well as two types of microtrichia were found in the ovipositor. Based on morphological evidence and research on Hymenoptera, putative functions are suggested to increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which this species finds hosts and mates, and how oviposition takes place. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:401–409, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ultrastructure of the male reproductive system of Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with preliminary characterization of the secretions

The morphology and ultrastructure of testes and accessory glands along with the characterization of their secretions were investigated for a braconid species Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) using light and electron microscopes. The male internal reproductive system of this species is distinguished by a pair of testes, one vas deferens, and a pair of male accessory glands. The testes are separate, and the accessory glands are oval and not fused. It was observed that the secretory cells of testes have characteristic smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and that the cytoplasm is filled with an array of granule droplets usually of two to three types. The secretory cells in the case of accessory glands are typified by the presence of microvilli on their apical cell surfaces and numerous mitochondria in their cytoplasm. SDS-PAGE profile when performed depicted a similarity in most bands of the secretions from both testes and accessory glands, except for four proteins of which two were present only in testes, while the other two only appeared in accessory glands. Their molecular weights were 117 and 55 kDa for testes and 196 and 30 kDa for accessory glands, respectively. This study gives new insights into the intriguing features of male internal reproductive system and it especially constitutes the first report of its kind about the secretion properties of these organs in C. vestalis.     

Ultrastructure of differentiating oocytes and vitellogenesis in the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de man)

The ultrastructure of oogenesis in Macrobrachium rosenbergii, with reference to vitellogenesis, has not been reported. We used light and electron microscopy, as well as vitellin (Vn) purification and antibody production, to study the temporal and spatial production of Vn in the ovary by immunofluorescence. Histologically, the ovary is subdivided into cone‐shaped ovarian pouches with a central core containing layers of oogonia. These divide to produce oocytes that migrate outwardly and differentiate into mature oocytes. During the course of differentiation, oocytes undergo modifications, including the rearrangement of nuclear chromatin, the accumulation of ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and lipid, and the formation of secretory and yolk granules, resulting in four stages. Ultrastructurally, early previtellogenic oocytes (Oc₁) are characterized by the accumulation of new ribosomal aggregates, translocated from the nucleus. Late previtellogenic oocytes (Oc₂) show nuclear heterochromatin with a “clock face” pattern, the presence of RER, and three types of secretory granules. Follicular cells occupy the intercellular spaces and surround the Oc₂. Early vitellogenic oocytes (Oc₃) are larger, with nuclei containing predominantly decondensed euchromatin, and cytoplasm with yolk and secretory granules, and few lipid droplets. Late vitellogenic oocytes (Oc₄) are characterized by completely euchromatic nuclei, an indistinct plasma membrane, yolk platelets and secretory granules, and abundant lipid. Vitellogenin (Vg) in ovaries of M. rosenbergii consist of two main bands at MW 90 and 102 kDa. Our data indicates that Vn is present, and probably synthesized in Oc₃ and Oc₄, but there may be some undetected exogenous Vg production. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.