Kelita toroi Ehrenfeld and Rozen

Kelita toroi Ehrenfeld and Rozen

The eggs/oocytes and ovariole counts of this species were previously reported by Rozen (1994a); the mature oocyte is redescribed here to provide additional details. Specimens examined for the current study were initially dissected in the field shortly after being killed, as described in Materials, Methods, and Terminology. Consequently, ovariole counts were more reliable, as was the recognition of mature oocytes, than if dissections had been made on whole specimens preserved in Kahle’s solution. The average egg index of 0.25 is based on all known specimens.

DESCRIPTION OF MATURE OOCYTE (figs. 1– 4): Length 0.43 mm, maximum width 0.23 mm lateral view, maximum width slightly less dorsal view (N = 19); egg index 0.23–0.29 (dwarf). Shape bilaterally symmetrical; dorsal surface (figs. 1, 2) incurved to nearly flat as seen in lateral view (the slightly outcurved dorsal surface depicted by Rozen [1994a: fig. 2] is atypical but visible on some oocytes (the median ridge in fig. 1 is an artifact resulting from critical­point drying); front end more narrowly rounded and tapering more than posterior end as seen in lateral view; maximum width in lateral view near midsection, in dorsal view usually posterior to midsection; hook­shaped micropylar process present at anterior end (figs. 1–4) with perhaps five or six pores opening posteriorly; length of process apparently somewhat variable (that of figs. 6, 7 long). Chorion moderately thick throughout, reflective, clear as seen through stereoscopic microscope, without ornamentation or other unusual external features except for micropylar process; under SEM examination, chorion with faint polygonal pattern (fig. 2) but without other significant features.

MATERIAL STUDIED: Six females, Chile: Limari Prov., Parque Nacional Fray Jorge, 21­ X­2001 (J.G. Rozen, A. Ugarte, C. Espina).

REMARKS: The shape of the mature oocytes shows considerable variation even when taken from a single female.