Number of chromosomes, Feulgen-DNA content, and nuclear phenotypes in domestic and wild specimens of Panstrongylus megistus

Abstract

Specimens of Panstrongylus megistus with different levels of adaptation to a domestic way of life had some of their nuclear and chromosomal characteristics compared, in an attempt to differentiate them by cytological means. The number of chromosomes in male testes was found not to differ. The nuclear frequency and phenotypes of the Malpighian tubules were also found to be the same. On the other hand, Feulgen-DNA values of metaphase chromosomes in insects from a population with a sylvatic distribution were found to be larger than those in specimens from a domestic population. The differences in Feulgen-DNA values, however, may not represent real differences in DNA content, but may possibly be due to differences in DNA-protein complexes.