Analysis of <scp><i>18S</i> rDNA</scp> localization in chromosomes of eight mosquito species of <scp><i>Aedes</i></scp> and <scp><i>Ochlerotatus</i></scp> subgenera of the genus <scp><i>Aedes</i></scp> (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract The analysis of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) localization was undertaken in two subgenera of the genus Aedes (subgenus Aedes and subgenus Ochlerotatus ). Seven species of the subgenus Ochlerotatus belonging to the cantans group ( Ae. excrucians , Ae. behningi , Ae. euedes ) and to the communis group ( Ae. communis , Ae. punctor , Ae. intrudens , Ae. cataphylla ) were studied. The subgenus Aedes was presented by the species Ae. rossicus . We revealed the difference in 18S rDNA localization in chromosomes between the studied subgenera. The study also indicated that the distribution of 18S rDNA in the groups of the subgenus Ochlerotatus correlates with their morphological division into groups, with the exception of one species, Ae. cataphylla . The obtained data can be used for chromosome mapping and evolutionary and taxonomic studies.