Multiple paternity in Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae), assessed by microsatellite markers.
This investigation examines multiple paternity in Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae). Previous studies have shown that multiple mating occurs in this tick, but this is the first evaluation of multiple paternity. Three family groups were examined by a panel of polymorphic microsatellite loci; all ticks were bred from wild-collected engorged females with a copulating male attached. For most larvae, the attached males could be excluded as possible sire, and in the 3 tested families, at least 2 of 3 females mated successfully with more than 1 male. This finding suggests that multiple paternity is a common reproductive strategy in I. ricinus, which may have consequences for the ticks' dispersal success by increasing the genetic diversity in broods from single females colonizing new sites.
Hasle
Gunnar
G
Department of Biology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1050 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway. hasle@reiseklinikken.no
Røed
Knut H
KH
Leinaas
Hans Petter
HP
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics*; D018884:Ixodes / Q000235:genetics*; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal