Abstract

Adult Cotugnia polycantha was recovered from the intestine of infected Streptopelia senegalensis. The fine structure of the ovary, oogenesis and fertilization process are described. The oocytes undergo characteristic cytological changes, that lead to oocyte maturation. Early stages of mature oocytes showed synaptonemal complexes in the nucleus. Lipid droplets appeared in late stages of mature oocyte. Mature oocytes are filled with clusters of cortical granules adjacent to the oocyte plasma membrane. Syncytial interstitial tissue and a number of myelin-like bodies are observed in the ovarian cytoplasm and they fill the cytoplasmic spaces. Oocapt is well-developed, with closely packed musculature beneath the epithelial layer. Wall of the distal oviduct (fertilization canal) bears cilia and lamellae. The fertilization process of C. polycantha and different stages of a fertilized oocyte showing vitellocytes with heterogeneous shell-globule clusters are recorded for the first time.

Key words: Ultrastructure, oogenesis, davaineidae, ovary, cotugnia polycantha, streptopelia senegalensis.