Electrophoretic Method for Recognition of Sibling Species of Anopheline Mosquitoes. A Practical Approach

Abstract

Laboratory hybridization tests, comparative study of the banding patterns of polytene chromosomes, and electrophroetic techniques for isozyme analysis are the methods that are usually employed for the recognition of sibling species of anopheline and some other mosquitoes. Hybridization tests under laboratory conditions are sufficient for measuring postmating reproductive isolation, but premating mechanisms are generally undetectable. Difficulty in obtaining good quality preparations tends to limit the usefulness of the chromosomal approach for the identification of sibling species. Generally, isozyme analysis is more accurate and reliable in uncovering cryptic variation, providing meaningful information on genetic relatedness, and in the identification of sibling species. We have presented a step-by-step analysis of electrophoretic data for the identification of both allopatric and sympatric sibling species.