TRIPLOIDY IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF THE BLACK FLY CNEPHIA MUTATA (MALLOCH)

Abstract

Populations of Cnephia mutata in southern Ontario contain both diploid and triploid individuals. The diploid form is bisexual and lacks chromosomal polymorphism except for a rearrangement involved in its cytological sex determining mechanism. The triploids are parthenogenetic; they produce female progeny only and are highly heterozygous for inversions. The banding pattern of the salivary gland chromosomes of diploids and triploids is very similar; the identical standard sequence occurs in both. The complete lack of autosomal inversions in diploids contrasted with their abundance in triploids indicates that effective genetic exchange does not occur between the two forms; they are reproductively completely isolated, although opportunity for cross-mating would seem to exist. The origin of polyploid parthenogenetic forms in black flies is discussed and the view is favored that they are autopolyploid and automictic.