Phenotypic and Genotypic Characters Associated with the Polygyne Hybrid Imported Fire Ant

Authors

R. B. Garlapati, Mississippi State University
D. C. Cross, Mississippi State University
M. A. Caprio, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
S. Sabanadzovic, Mississippi State University
J. Chen, USDA-ARS

Abstract

A study was initiated to identify the origin of polygyny in the hybrid imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta × richteri) and to confirm the association of polygyne phenotypic and genotypic characters. Polygyny is known to occur in both species in their native ranges in South America. Gp-9, a major gene in imported fire ants, is associated with the expression of social form. Variants of the monogyne allele, Gp-9B, and the polygyne allele, Gp-9b, have been sequenced for both species. The association of phenotypic and genotypic characters in a hybrid imported fire ant colony is strongly indicated by identification of multiple inseminated queens in a colony and sequencing the critical 1.6-kb region of Gp-9 in hybrid individuals with a polygyne allele. A 99.6% match of the Gp-9b allele and concordance in the critical amino acid substitutions of the Gp-9 locus in the hybrid fire ant with S. invicta Buren provides evidence that polygyny in the hybrid imported fire ant is derived from this fire ant species.

Recommended Citation

Garlapati, R. B.; Cross, D. C.; Caprio, M. A.; Sabanadzovic, S.; and Chen, J. (2010) "Phenotypic and Genotypic Characters Associated with the Polygyne Hybrid Imported Fire Ant," Midsouth Entomologist: Vol. 3: No. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/midsouthent/vol3/iss1/4