cesarean ova

[kevinkk]

I have just dissected a female butterfly- Papilio zelicaon. Found dead in my greenhouse, with one ova stuck to her butt.
I just spoke with another breeder and he told me the eggs I pulled out of her after surgery won't hatch.

I believe him, given what I know about biology, but I think it's an interesting subject and would be interested if anyone has ever
had any experience trying this.

[Chris Grinter]

Insects fertilize their eggs as they are being laid, so removing eggs from the ova will not result in a fertilized egg. Here is a good diagram and explanation. www.wikiwand.com/en/Insect_reproductive_system.

You can study egg morphology by dissecting eggs though!

[Adam Cotton]

The ovum that was stuck to her abdomen should have been fertilised, and often there is a fertile egg just inside the tip of the abdomen that can be gently squeezed out which should also be fertile. However, if the female you mention above had been dead for some time that egg may already be dead. Any other eggs in the queue behind would be infertile even if the female is still alive.

Adam.