The Structure and Possible Functions of the Oviducts In the Flour Beetle Tribolium castaneum

Abstract

The anatomy and histology of the oviducts of the female flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) are investigated with both the light and electron micro¬scope. Each lateral oviduct is made up of columnar epithelial secretory cells that elaborate large numbers of secretory granules into the lumen. These secretions possibly compensate for the absence of accessory glands by coating the eggs with an adhesive and may also act as a lubricant during the passage of the egg through the egg canal