Occurrence of G-banding in metaphase chromosomes of Encarsia berlesei (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)

Abstract

Well-defined G-bands were obtained on somatic metaphase chromosomes of Encarsia berlesei using trypsin and warm 2× SCC in sequence. The G-banded pattern allowed rapid identification of all five metacentric chromosomes, which appeared uniformly lighted when stained with DAPI fluorochrome dye. It is stressed that ageing affects G-banding in this insect species; in fact, good banded chromosomes were obtained on 1-month air-stored chromosomes. Evidence for asynchronous condensation on the chromosomes of this species is also provided.Key words: G-banding, chromosomes, insect, Encarsia.