Chromosomal and Molecular Diversity in the Simulium ornatum Group (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Western Tian Shan Range of Central Asia

Research in the Western Tian Shan Range of Central Asia reveals that populations of the Simulium ornatum group exhibit unique chromosomal and molecular diversity, distinct from previously recorded species. Analysis of larval polytene chromosomes uncovered two fixed inversions, two sex-linked rearrangements, and 19 autosomal rearrangements, including supernumerary B chromosomes, suggesting minimal diversity across nearly 50,000 km². Mitochondrial DNA (CO1) sequences further identified three distinct clusters, potentially representing separate species, though data sets were not entirely congruent. Notably, Simulium ornatum Meigen sensu stricto does not occur in Kyrgyzstan, challenging prior faunal records.

Adler, P. H., Werner, D., & Kampen, H. (2021). Chromosomal and Molecular Diversity in the Simulium ornatum Group (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Western Tian Shan Range of Central Asia. Insects, 12(9), 817. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12090817