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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Dissection and Grading of Ovarian Development in Wild-Type Female Insects
Published on: July 14, 2023
Corpus luteum formation and ovulation in the butterfly Calpodes
1Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
The first corpus luteum of each ovariole is formed initially from the epithelial plug of cells which underly the first leading oocyte through autolysis, characterized by increased acid phosphatase activity, autophagy and lipophilic material. Later autolysis spreads progressively to apposing follicular cells, degeneration moving upwards until the leading oocyte is in the ovariolar duct, resulting in ovulation. All subsequent corpora lutea are compound structures, comprising the degenerating follicle of the newly shed eggs as well as remnants of previous corpora lutea. The interfollicular bridge cells appear to envelope the mature follicle during corpus luteum formation, thereby giving some support to the ovariole as a follicle disintegrates und the egg is shed.
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