Morphological embryonic characteristics and the variation in egg size during embryonic development were determined for Reticulitermes flavipes (Oshima). The early embryonic patterning in this species belonged to the short-germ-type. The germ band started as a small round single-layered germ anlage (embryonic rudiment) concentrated at the posterior ventral side of the egg. Massive cell propagation at the end of germ anlage pushed its way along the periphery to the posterior pole, and curved up toward the anterior of the dorsal surface. In the mean time the segmentation and appendages appeared successively in an anterior-to-posterior sequence. Five distinctive successive embryonic stages were evidenced according to the external characteristics of embryos. Egg size increased significantly during the embryonic development period.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes flavipes (native subterranean termite)
Keywords: embryonic development, pattern formation
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