Hybridization and population structure of theCulex pipiens complex in the islands of Macaronesia

Ecology and Evolution

Bruno Gomes²  Joana Alves²  Carla A. Sousa²  Marta Santa-Ana³  Inês Vieira²  Teresa L. Silva²  António P.G. Almeida²  Martin J. Donnelly¹ 

[1] Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK;Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal;Centro de Estudos da Macaronésia, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal

关键词: Culex pipiens;    Culex quinquefasciatus;    hybridization;    Macaronesian islands;    West Nile virus;   

DOI  :  10.1002/ece3.307

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Abstract

The Culex pipiens complex includes two widespread mosquito vector species, Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The distribution of these species varies in latitude, with the former being present in temperate regions and the latter in tropical and subtropical regions. However, their distribution range overlaps in certain areas and interspecific hybridization has been documented. Genetic introgression between these species may have epidemiological repercussions for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission. Bayesian clustering analysis based on multilocus genotypes of 12 microsatellites was used to determine levels of hybridization between these two species in Macaronesian islands, the only contact zone described in West Africa. The distribution of the two species reflects both the islands' biogeography and historical aspects of human colonization. Madeira Island displayed a homogenous population of Cx. pipiens, whereas Cape Verde showed a more intriguing scenario with extensive hybridization. In the islands of Brava and Santiago, only Cx. quinquefasciatus was found, while in Fogo and Maio high hybrid rates (~40%) between the two species were detected. Within the admixed populations, second-generation hybrids (~50%) were identified suggesting a lack of isolation mechanisms. The observed levels of hybridization may locally potentiate the transmission to humans of zoonotic arboviruses such as WNV.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC   
© 2012 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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