DNA values in somatic tissues of Dermestes (Dermestidae: Coleoptera)

The distribution of DNA values in some somatic tissues of seven Dermestes species has been investigated. In all cases the DNA values are distributed as members of a doubling series. Distributions are found to be similar between species and sexes for the same tissue but different between tissues in the same species. Species DNA values derived from somatic tissues agree with DNA values previously determined for spermatids. These data are discussed in relation to the range of species DNA values (2.7 x) and the process of differentiation.