METAPHASE KARYOTYPES OF CERTAIN SPECIES OF THE DROSOPHILA MONTIUM SUBGROUP

Abstract

A total of 20 species in the Drosophila montium subgroup has been cytologically examined. All species show similar basic pattern of metaphase karyotype. The most extensive variations in metaphase chromosome configurations have been observed in the Y and 4th (dot) chromosomes while the X chromosome is slightly variable. Interspecific karyotype differentiation is largely due to the acquisition of different amounts of heterochromatin.