Déterminisme de la transformation de l'enveloppe vitelline des oeufs de lépidoptères

Abstract

The formation of the vitelline membrane of the eggs of Lepidoptera is not related to sperm penetration, male glandular secretions, or passage of egg through the ovipositor. The formation of the vitelline membrane and accompanying ultrastructural changes seem to be controlled by a factor produced by the oocyte. These observations were made in 15 species of Lepidoptera, including 2 parthenogenetic ones. The vitelline membrane of Lepidoptera could be homologized with a fertilization membrane.