Stability of a multiple X chromosome system and associated B chromosomes in birch aphids (Euceraphis spp.; Homoptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

Autosomal dissociations are a common feature of aphid karyotype evolution, but multiple X chromosome systems are rare. Birch-feeding aphids of the genus Euceraphis, however, have X1X2O males as a general rule, X1 being always much larger than X2. Only one species has XO males, and this condition appears to be secondary. Most Euceraphis karyotypes also have one or more, usually heterochromatic, elements that occur in the same numbers in both males and females, yet behave like X chromosomes at male and female meiosis I. They appear to be supernumerary, “non-functional” X chromosomes, although showing greater within-species stability in size and number than typical B chromosomes. Euceraphis gillettei forms a separate group within the genus and feeds on alders (Alnus species), yet has a similar system, and the two most closely related genera, Symydobius and Clethrobius, also have additional chromosomal elements possibly representing non-functional X chromosomes. Thus the multiple X chromosome system in these aphids seems to be a primitive condition.