Genetic Variability in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) I. Mutations Affecting Color Pattern1

Abstract

In order to develop a formal genetics for Aedes aegypti (L.), a search for mutations was initiated. Mosquitoes from eight laboratory strains were examined for variations in color pattern, and individuals showing a deviation from the wild type were selected and inbred to establish pure lines. Special techniques for the genetic manipulation of mosquitoes were developed. Nine inherited factors affecting color were isolated: (1) yellow larva, y, affecting color of the larval fat body; (2) gold mesonotum. G; (3) black palps, blp; (4) white abdomen, W, a factor which increases white scaling on the abdominal tergites; (5) spot, s. sex-influenced factor affecting the lateral spots on the abdominal tergites; (6) black tarsi, blt; (7) light foot, li, resulting in bleached scales of the fore legs of males; (8) speck, sp, a factor responsible for extra white scales on the female palp; and (9) black halteres, h. In some cases linkage tests have been performed, and most of these factors are now available for use as genetic markers.