Abstract
The Campoletis sonorensis ovary consists of polytrophic, meroistic ovarioles whose primary functional unit is a complex of oocyte, follicle and nurse cells. This complex, termed an egg chamber, consists of a single layer of follicular tissue surrounding the developing oocyte. The follicle cell-oocyte aggregate is situated posteriorly to a group of attending nurse cells which function primarily in supplying various cytoplasmic organelles to the developing oocyte. This cytoplasmic transfer is made possible by the presence of cytoplasmic bridges which interconnect the nurse cells and oocyte. Virus-like particles composed of specifically arranged subunits are frequently found within both oocyte and nurse cells. Cytoplasmic changes occur within the follicle cells. A reduction in free ribosomes, an increase in rough endoplasmic reticulum, and significant increases in Golgi complexes strongly suggest the involvement of these cells in supplying precursor material for synthesis of the vitelline membrane and chorion. The fully developed chorion can be morphologically divided into three distinct regions. The innermost region is characterized by a high degree of periodicity with alternating membranes, while the middle region is composed of longitudinal chamber-like units, some of which contain particulate matter. The outer region consists of slender projections which extend perpendicular from the chorion surface. A fine layer of amorphous material is located above the projections. The mature egg passes from the ovariole into the calyx, a region of the upper lateral oviduct. The calyx consists of rather large cells which appear to be constantly in the process of synthesizing electron-dense particles..
Norton, William Nicolson (1975). An ultrastructural investigation of egg membrane synthesis of the ichneumonid parasitoid Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron) and its subsequent interactions with the immune system of its noctuid host. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -184074.