A critical chromosome analysis of Glossina austeni Newst. (Dipt., Glossinidae)

Abstract

The diploid chromosome number of G. austeni Newst. from the Langford colony is 2n = 14 ± 2, + XX/XY. Chromosomes have been karyotyped and include a pair of large submetacentrics (L₁), a pair of shorter metacentrics (L₂) and a group of small telocentries (S). The X and Y elements constitute a heteromorphic pair. The S chromosomes together with the Y element display allocyclic behaviour during nuclear division. Pre-meiotic RNA synthesis has been followed by autoradiography, and differential staining of DNA with quinacrine dihydrochloride by fluorescence microscopy.