The ultrastructure and function of follicle cells in Foucartia squamulata (Herbst) (Curculionidae).

The follicle cells of Foucartia squamulata are involved in the formation of both vitelline membrane and chorion. Precursors for these egg coverings are synthesized by the rough endoplasmic reticulum and condensed within dictyosomes. The vitelline membrane and the chorion appear on the oocyte surface simultaneously, which is an unusual phenomenon for insects. The follicular epithelium has not been found to contribute to vitellogenesis in the species under study.