Distribution and hybridization between Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Argentina

RESUMO

To better undesrtand the distribution of Culex pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus in Argentina, samples were collected from six localities situated in a North-South line from Castelli (Chaco Province) to Puerto Madryn (Chubut Province). Identification was based on the morphology of male genitalia. Only Cx. quinquefasciatus was found in Castelli and Esperanza, while in Rosario, 95.3 por cento belonged to this species and 4.7 por cento represented hybrid forms. Southern samples included only Cx. pipiens. With the purpose of verfying if Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus hybridize, different crosses between the two species were perfomed. All crosses produced viable egg rafts. Hatching ranged from 70 to 100 por cento, except in one cross, female Cx. pipiens x male Cx. quinquefasciatus, where a high incompatibility was observed (11.1 por cento hatch). The F1 hybrids obtained all crosses were fertile. The finding of hybrid forms in nature can be interpreted as evidence for subspecific status of Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus in Argentina.