Karyotype differences among four species of Callosobruchus Pic (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

R.B. Angus, J. Dellow, C. Winder, Peter Credland

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Abstract

Three species of the genus Callosobruchus are particularly common pests of stored legumes on an international scale. A fourth is closely associated with the most common. In this paper we show that they can all be separated quickly, easily and unambiguously by examination of their karyotypes. Karyotypes obtained from developing embryos of Callosobruchus analis (F.), Callosobruchus chinensis (L.), Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic) are illustrated and compared, using both plain (Giemsa-stained) and C-banded preparations. The karyotypes of all four species are distinctive, and the greater detail resulting from the use of hypotonic inflation, air-drying methods, compared with earlier squash techniques is shown to be crucial to revealing the differences between the species and to resolving some of the discrepancies in published information. We have found no evidence of intraspecific variation so the technique offers a quick and inexpensive way of confirming morphological distinctions.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Stored Products Research
Volume47
Issue number2
Early online date8 Jan 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • Bruchid taxonomy; Chromosomes; Karyotypes; Interspecies differences; Giemsa staining

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