title: Genetic variability of the stable fly assessed on a global scale using amplified fragment length polymorphism.
abstract: The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), is a blood-feeding, economically important pest of animals and humans worldwide. Improved management strategies are essential and their development would benefit from studies on genetic diversity of stable flies. Especially if done on a global scale, such research could generate information necessary for the development and application of more efficient control methods. Herein we report on a genetic study of stable flies using amplified fragment length polymorphism, with samples of 10-40 individuals acquired from a total of 25 locations in the Nearctic, Neotropic, Palearctic, Afrotropic and Australasian biogeographical regions. We hypothesized that genetic differentiation would exist across geographical barriers. Although FST (0.33) was moderately high, the GST (0.05; representing genetic diversity between individuals) was very low; Nm values (representing gene flow) were high (9.36). The mismatch distribution and tests of neutrality suggested population expansion, with no genetic differentiation between locations. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) results showed the majority of genetic diversity was within groups. The mantel test showed no correlation between geographic and genetic distance; this strongly supports the AMOVA results. These results suggest that stable flies did not show genetic differentiation but are panmictic, with no evidence of isolation by distance or across geographical barriers.
authors: Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
authors: Kathleen M
authors: KM
authors: Kneeland
authors: USDA-ARS-KBUSLIRL Screwworm Research Unit, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA. steve.skoda@ars.usda.gov.
authors: Steven R
authors: SR
authors: Skoda
authors: Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
authors: John E
authors: JE
authors: Foster
mesh_terms: D054458:Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis; D000818:Animals; D051456:Gene Flow; D040961:Genetic Drift; D014644:Genetic Variation; D009117:Muscidae / Q000235:genetics*
keywords: AFLP; Stomoxys calcitrans; biting flies; external parasites; genetic diversity; livestock pests