TECHNIQUES FOR THE STUDY OF INSECT CHROMOSOMES

Abstract

The present paper is concerned solely with methods of studying the chromosomes, their number, morphology, and behaviour, in insects. Much has already been written on general cytological techniques used in the study of animals and plants (1, 2, 3 and 4) but no special treatment regarding insects has as yet appeared. The techniques outlined in many standard text books are largely obsolete, and reprints of current improvements are frequently not available in the specialised entomological library. Therefore a review of the procedures commonly followed may not be out of place as a guide to the non-specialist.