Chromosomal Analysis of Parasitic Wasps at Various Taxonomic Levels

Abstract

Taxonomic significance of chromosomal characters of parasitic wasps was studied at various levels, from superfamilies and families to morphologically identical populations. Although these characters can be of use at all taxonomic levels, they are most effective at the species level. Closely related species and forms of parasitic wasps that differ in karyotypic features can be subdivided into the following categories: (1) clearly distinct species; (2) species with weak morphological differences (sibling species s.str.); (3) morphologically identical populations; (4) intrapopulation forms (elements of population polymorphisms); (5) individuals with spontaneous chromosomal mutations. Chromosomal analysis is also a very important method of determining numbers of linkage groups. Karyotypic features of parasitic wasps can be used for identifying their immature stages. Counting chromosomes in embryonic tissues is an effective technique of studying primary sex~ratios.