The chromosome observation techniques for spiders

Abstract

Various cytological techniques were employed for the examination of spider chromosomes of 18 different species in 17 genera from 11 families to make more detailed chromosome observations possible. The hypotonic pretreatment aceto-orcein squash method yielded favorable preparations of cells in all the stages of meiosis for almost all the species. The modified acetic acid dissociation air-drying method was found to be suitable for spermatogonial metaphase. A C-banding technique used for Theridion tepidariorum and Oxyopes sertatus revealed dark stained centromeric regions in all the autosomal pairs and the X-chromosomes, indicating the presence of constitutive heterochromatin in these centromeric regions of the chromosomes of both species. © 1977, Arachnological Society of Japan. All rights reserved.