Sex ratio distortion inGlossina morsitans submorsitansNewstead (Diptera: Glossinidae)

Abstract

AbstractA laboratory colony ofGlossina morsitans submorsitansNewst. originating from Nigeria exhibits an excess of females over males. The sex ratio distortion of more than two females to one male was studied by the maintenance of individual flies. Five males sired more than ten daughters without producing any sons when mated to several females, whilst other males fathered approximately equal numbers of male and female offspring; there was no evidence for selective abortion of male embryos. The presence of these ‘distorter’ males, which produce only female offspring, was found to cause the sex ratio distortion. The results are discussed with reference to data from the field which indicate that this genetic aberration is not confined to the laboratory; possible implications for chemical control programmes are assessed.