Morphological markers of anteroposterior and dorsoventral polarity in developing oocytes of the hymenopteranCosmoconus meridionator (Ichneumonidae).

The progressive establishment of anteroposterior and dorsoventral polarity in developing oocytes ofCosmoconus meridionator is described. In fully grown oocytes, the asymmetrical (polar) organization is apparent in the localization of the oocyte nucleus (germinal vesicle) and oosome, and in the uneven (graded) distribution of lipid droplets, yolk spheres and specific organelles termed accessory nuclei (AN). The latter structures occur preferentially within the anteroventral periplasm. The developmental significance of AN is discussed.