Cytogenetics of Simulium arcticum at Little Prickly Pear Creek: A Test of the Rhodes IIL-3/IIL-7 Reproductive Isolation Hypothesis

Abstract

In black flies (Simuliidae), the morphospecies of classical taxonomy is composed of any number of cytologically identifiable sibling species when polytene chromosomes are analyzed. The larval polytene chromosomes of Simulium arcticum were analyzed at Little Prickly Pear Creek (LPPC) between May and July 2003. This study was carried out to test the Rhodes IIL-3/IIL-7 reproductive isolation hypothesis with more extensive analysis. Collections over a five-month emergence and analysis of approximately 100 larvae indicate support for the Rhodes IIL-3/IIL-7 reproductive isolation hypothesis. The presence of a previously undescribed cytotype, IIL-20, was also revealed. Additionally, results suggested linkage of centromeric characteristics to the IIL-3 and IIL-7 inversions.