Non-Random Resorption of Oocytes in Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Resorption of terminal oocytes was investigated in 3 species of grasshoppers, Melanoplus femurrubrum femurrubrum (DeGeer), M. scudderi (Uhler), and Hippiscus ocelote (Saussure). Significant differences in percentage resorption were found between species. Anterior ovarioles resorbed terminal oocytes more frequently than ovarioles in the middle and posterior regions of the ovaries. Resorption of terminal oocytes due to differences in relative ovariole age does not appear to be a factor in percentage resorption based on the lengths of developing terminal oocytes. There was no difference in percentage resorption of terminal oocytes between ovaries.