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Cytogenetics of some ant species of the tribe Attini (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from the region of Viçosa, MG

Marcos Antônio Matiello Fadini; Silvia das Graças Pompolo

Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36571-000 Viçosa, MG, Brasil. Send correspondence to S.G.P.

ABSTRACT

A cytogenetic study was performed on seven species, belonging to three genera of the tribe Attini (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in the region of Viçosa, MG, Brazil. Atta sexdens rubropilosa, A. bisphaerica and A. laevigata all presented 2n = 22 chromosomes (12 metacentrics, six submetacentrics and four acrocentrics); Acromyrmex s. subterraneus, A. molestans and A. crassipinus presented 2n = 38 chromosomes (two metacentrics, six submetacentrics, 16 subtelocentrics and 14 acrocentrics); Apterostigma sp. presented 2n = 20 chromosomes (six metacentrics, 12 submetacentrics and two acrocentrics). A constancy in karyotype was observed among species of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex. The cytogenetic proximity of the three genera is discussed.

Keywords: cytogenetics; tribe Attini.

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