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.
Department of Biology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1050 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway. hasle@reiseklinikken.no
Gunnar
G
Hasle
Knut H
KH
Røed
Hans Petter
HP
Leinaas
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