Unidirectional reproductive incompatibility between Aedes (Protomacleaya) brelandi and A. (P.) hendersoni (Diptera: Culicidae).

David B. Taylor, USDA-ARS
George B. Craig, University of Notre Dame

Article comments

This article is the copyright property of the Entomological Society of America and may not be used for any commercial or other private purpose without specific written permission of the Entomological Society of America.

Abstract

Forced mating was used to determine reproductive compatibility between two species in the Triseriatus Group of Aedes (Protomacleaya). In the cross between A. hendersoni Cockerell females and A. brelandi Zavortink males, only 7% of the females laid eggs that developed embryos. Furthermore, <5% of the eggs from single-female clutches in which one or more eggs did embryonate were fertile. In the reciprocal cross, A. brelandi females crossed to A. hendersoni males, 70% of the females laid fertile eggs and >80% of the eggs from those females became embryonated. Approximately 80% of the females were inseminated in both of the reciprocal crosses, No chromosomal abnormalities were observed in the hybrids. Incompatibility between the A. brelandi male genome and the A. hendersoni female cytoplasm appeared to be the cause of the reduced fertility.