The Mechanism of Ovulation and Oviposition in Aedes aegypti12

Abstract

The general anatomy and histology of the female reproductive system and its innervation are described in detail. Contractions of the ampullae, lateral oviducts, and ovaries are rhythmic; they are basically independent of age, sexual and nutritional status, endocrine secretions, and nervous stimuli. The common oviduct does not contract. Ovulation cannot occur without complete maturation of the egg and rupturing of the follicular intima. Both ovulation and oviposition are solely due to the rhythmical contractions of the lateral oviducts and are essentially independent of the activities of the external genitalia. In the intact mosquito, however, the nervous system in some unknown manner initiates ovulation and oviposition, and coordinates both internal and external processes. The regulatory oviposition centers are located in the head and thorax.