On the growth of the proximal oocyte of the fly, Sarcophaga ruficornis (Diptera): 1. Nutritional control.

Sarcophaga ruficornis can survive in the laboratory if given sugar and water but is not able to show any appreciable growth of the proximal oocyte. When meat is given in addition to sugar and water, either from the time of emergence or from the fourth day of emergence, tremendous increase in the length and volume of this oocyte is observed. The growth of the oocyte is comparatively greater in the mated flies than in the virgin ones. The possible influence of pheromones or other sex signals was eliminated by keeping controls in a room without males.