The "reindeer" mutation and a revision of linkage groups V and X in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Abstract

Reindeer (Rd) is a dominant mutation affecting antenna morphology in the tenebrionid flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. In contrast with most dominant mutants previously described for this species, homozygotes are fully viable, thus making Rd very useful for genetic studies. Rd is tentatively assigned to either linkage group IX or X. Abbreviated appendages (aa), formerly placed in linkage group X, is reassigned to linkage group V on the basis of demonstrated linkage to jet (j).Key words: Tribolium, mutation Rd, linkage, antenna morphology.