The first cytogenetic data on Strumigenys louisianae Roger, 1863 (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Dacetini): the lowest chromosome number in the Hymenoptera of the neotropical region.
In the present study, the first cytogenetic data was obtained for the ant species Strumigenys louisianae, from a genus possessing no previous cytogenetic data for the Neotropical region. The chromosome number observed was 2n = 4, all possessing metacentric morphology. Blocks rich in GC base pairs were observed in the interstitial region of the short arm of the largest chromosome pair, which may indicate that this region corresponds to the NORs. The referred species presented the lowest chromosome number observed for the subfamily Myrmicinae and for the Hymenoptera found in the Neotropical region. Observation of a low chromosome number karyotype has been described in Myrmecia croslandi, in which the occurrence of tandem fusions accounts for the most probable rearrangement for its formation. The accumulation of cytogenetic data may carry crucial information to ensure deeper understanding of the systematics of the tribe Dacetini.
Laboratório de Citogenética de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral. Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Melhoramento. Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Ana Paula
AP
Alves-Silva
Laboratório de Citogenética de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral. Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Melhoramento. Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Luísa Antônia Campos
LA
Barros
Departamento de Biologia Geral. Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Júlio Cézar Mário
JC
Chaul
Laboratório de Citogenética de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral. Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Silvia das Graças
Sd
Pompolo
D000818:Animals; D001000:Ants / Q000166:cytology* / Q000235:genetics*; D059006:Chromosomes, Insect / Q000235:genetics*; D020732:Cytogenetic Analysis; D055669:Ecological and Environmental Phenomena; D059785:Karyotype; D008677:Metaphase