First cytogenetic characterization of the parasitoid wasp Brachymeria (Pseudobrachymeria) vesparum Bouček, 1992 (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae)

Abstract

Abstract Cytogenetic analyses have been widely used to understand evolutionary processes and to resolve taxonomic uncertainties in insects. In particular, the mapping of specific chromosomal regions might provide insights about the genome organization and interspecific relationships. Considering the importance of this approach and the scarcity of chromosomal data in some groups of Hymenoptera, this study provides the first cytogenetic characterization of the parasitoid wasp Brachymeria (Pseudobrachymeria) vesparum Bouček,1992. This species was characterized by 2n = 10 metacentric chromosomes. The heterochromatin was located at pericentromeric and terminal regions, being particularly conspicuous, occupying a large part of chromosomes from pair 2. In addition, GC+ sites were detected at interstitial region of two chromosomal pairs. The present data was useful to infer the chromosomal rearrangements involved in speciation within Brachymeria besides providing cytotaxonomic markers for further comparative cytogenetic studies.