Meiotic karyotypes and testis structure of 14 species of the planthopper tribe Issini (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea, Issidae)

Abstract

Karyotypes and testis structure of 14 species representing 9 genera (Latissus, Bubastia, Falcidius, Kervillea, Mulsantereum, Mycterodus, Scorlupaster, Scorlupella and Zopherisca) of the planthopper tribe Issini (Issidae) are presented. All the karyotypes are illustrated by meiotic and occasionally mitotic figures. The male karyotypes of most of the species analyzed are 2n = 26 + X, the exception being Falcidius limbatus, which has a karyotype of 2n = 24 + neo-XY. The latter is the first report of the neo-XY system in the family Issidae. The species studied are found to be similar in having NORs on the largest pair of autosomes, but differ significantly in the amount and distribution of C-heterochromatin along the chromosomes. In contrast to the conserved chromosome numbers, the highly variable follicle number in the testes suggests rapid evolution of the tribe Issini. On the basis of its specific follicle number, it is proposed that Zopherisca tendinosa skaloula Gnezdilov & Drosopoulos, 2006 be upgrade to a species: Z. skaloula stat. n. The cytological and taxonomic significance of results presented are discussed. © 2003 Institute of Entomology.