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The embryogeny of the Polyctenid, Hesperoctenes fumarius Westwood, with reference to viviparity in insects
Author(s) -
Hagan Harold R.
Publication year - 1931
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1050510102
Subject(s) - biology , spermatheca , embryo , embryology , insect , seta , zoology , yolk , anatomy , reproductive system , microbiology and biotechnology , sperm , botany , ecology , genus
Abstract Four functional types of viviparity are recognized, and the last, pseudoplacento viviparity, is illustrated by a review of the embryogeny of a species of Polyctenidae. This insect normally has ten embryos in the reproductive tract in successive stages of development. The problem of fertilization is discussed, for there seems to be no spermatheca and spermatic clumps are present in the haemocoel. No organ of Berlese can be found. One, apparently a nymph, when sectioned revealed spermatozoa in even greater abundance than the mature females. Four to six of her offspring would seem to be paedogenetic. Females liberate ova that are yolk‐free, and no chorion is secreted about them. Blastomeres are distinct, the embryonic envelopes are formed as usual, and hemipteran embryology occurs. The trophserosa functions until blastokinesis takes place, when the pleuropodial extensions evaginate and encompass the embryo which now lies in a pleuropodial cavity. The pleuropodia function as Lutrient organs, or psedoplacenta, until shortly before birth. At birth the embryo is a little more than one‐third the adult body length and bears strongly developed setae.