THE CHORIONIC ARCHITECTURE AND SHELL STRUCTURE OF AMATHES C-NIGRUM (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The chorionic architecture including the general and fine structure of the various shell layers and specialized areas in the newly-laid egg of Amathes c-nigrum (L.) is described. The chorion is, primarily, two-layered. The lamellate outer layer, comprising the main bulk of the shell, appears to be very porous over the ventral surface of the egg but much more solid over the lateral and upper surfaces. Here it is traversed by aeropylar canals which convey air to the inner layer. The trabecular inner layer completely surrounds the yolk except in the micropylar area. The micropyles protrude from the inner side of the chorion to form entomicropylar tubes which project towards the yolk. Each is enclosed by thickened vitelline membrane.