Absence of mating barriers between autogenous and anautogenous culex pipiens L in Egypt

ABSTRACT

The existence of premating and post-mating barriers between Culex pipiens L. population and the possibility of interbreeding between autogenous and anautogenous mosquitos were examined. Tested mosquito populations were stenogamous with >83% insemination rates in 20 x 20 x 20 cm cages, regardless of autogeny rates ranging from 10 to 91%. Bi-directional crosses between 3 geographical populations resulted in > 80% hatch rates, indicating full cytoplasmic compatibility. Both autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens individuals were encountered in the progenies of autogenous or anautogenous female parents. Moreover, more than 75% of field caught females produced mixed progenies. Thus, this work suggested that there is no limitation for hybridization between Cx. pipiens mosquitos in Egypt due to the lack of premating and post-mating barriers