Genetic differentiation in theAedes atropalpus complex. II. Chromosomal divergence betweenAe. atropalpus andAe. epactius

Analysis of meiotic chromosomes from hybrids betweenAedes atropalpus andAe. epactius has revealed that the two species are fixed for alternate arrangements of four inversions: a paracentric inversion of chromosome 1, two paracentric inversions of chromosome 2, and a pericentric inversion of chromosome 3. This chromosomal heterozygosity in the interspecific hybrids has resulted in extensive meiolic chromosomal asynapsis. Dicentric bridges, acentric fragments, and chromosomal breakage were also associated with the heterozygous inversions. This disruption of meiosis was sufficient to account for the partial sterility observed in interspecific hybrids. No chromosomal polymorphisms, aberrations, or reduction in fertility was observed in parental strains of intraspecific hybrids of the two species.