Cytogenetical aspects of morsitans tsetse flies with particular reference to Glossina pallidipes (Diptera, Glossinidae)
Southern, D.I.; Pell, P.E.
Cytobios 30(119): 135-152
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0011-4529 PMID: 7285630 Document Number: 176860
The basic diploid chromosome number of G. pallidipes is 2n = 6 and includes a pair of large sub-metacentric autosomes (L1), a shorter pair of metacentric autosomes (L2), and an X and Y which constitute a heteromorphic pair. The male meiotic sequence, although similar to that of other tsetse species, is characterized by asynapsis between X and Y chromosomes, and only tenuous association between the autosomes. Giemsa C-banding characteristics are described for the chromosomes of 5 species/subspecies G. m. morsitans, G. m. centralis, G. m. submorsitans, G. austeni and G. pallidipes and by means of this technique a whole range of polymorphisms was discovered. Polytene chromosome maps of G. pallidipes were prepared and a description of all principal cytological markers provided. A comparison between these chromosomes and those of G. austeni was conducted, and although they must share a common ancestor, extensive band differences and structural change have occurred during phylogeny.