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Variability of constitutive heterochromatin in karyotypes of representatives of the family Romaleidae (Orthoptera)

Maria José de Souza; Laureen Michelle Houllou Kido

Departamento de Genética, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, 50732-970 Recife, PE, Brasil. Send correspondence to M.J.S

ABSTRACT

We analyzed the C-handing patterns of 43 grasshopper specimens belonging to three species of the family Romaleidae (Xyleus angulatus, Chromacris speciosa and Brasilacris gigas). The three species presented uniform karyotypes in terms of chromosome number (2n=24, XX female) and shape (one armed) and also of pericentromeric C bands, but differed in the telomeric and interstitial C-banding patterns. A supernumerary chromosome was detected in Xyleus angulatus, with unstable distribution among females of the Igaraçú, Pernambuco population.

Keywords: heterochromatin; karyotypes; Romaleidae.

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