Vitellogenic and previtellogenic oocyte stages, as well as ovariole numbers, were characterized in the selected (O) lines of D. melanogaster that have been selected for late-life reproduction and extended longevity. On day 4 post-eclosion, O females had more ovarioles than control (B) females, but this difference diminished at older ages. From days 4 to 24, O females showed a marked increase in average vitellogenic oocyte stage, whereas this parameter did not increase in B females as they aged. The previtellogenic gradient of oocyte maturation declined in both B and O females. Specifically, terminal previtellogenic stages were lost with advancing age, and this loss occurred relatively gradually in O females regardless of food regime. Among the reproductive traits assessed, differential persistence of the previtellogenic gradient of maturation is most strongly associated with selected versus control line differences in longevity.