Postembryonic development of the optic lobe in Lestes eurinus Say: morphology (Zygoptera: Lestidae)

The postembryonic development of the visual apparatus was traced from early larval instars to the adult stage. During the larval life, the optic lobe shows minor changes in its structure. It consists of 3 neuropiles interconnected through 2 chiasmata. The development of the optic lobe is the result of the mitotic activity of the outer and inner optic anlages. This activity decreases during the last instar larva and eventually stops. The anlages have completely disappeared in the adult stage.