ABSTRACT
We have used a PCR assay to screen 404 insects and related arthropods for mariner elements using primers corresponding to amino acids conserved between the mariner elements of Drosophila mauritiana and a moth, Hyalophora cecropia. Potential mariner elements were detected in sixty-three species, representing ten insect orders as well as a centipede and a mite. Phylogenetic analysis of the PCR fragment sequences from thirty species identifies five major subfamilies of mariners. Many species have representatives of multiple subfamilies in their genomes, and the Medfly is an extreme example with representatives of four subfamilies. Two instances of recent horizontal transfer of mariner elements include at least three species each. The widespread but sporadic distribution of mariner elements suggests they are excellent candidates for development as transformation vectors for non-drosophilids.
Subject(s)
Arthropods/genetics , DNA Transposable Elements , Insecta/genetics , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Arthropods/classification , Base Sequence , Cats , DNA , Diptera/classification , Diptera/genetics , Insecta/classification , Molecular Sequence Data , Phylogeny , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sequence Homology, Amino AcidABSTRACT
Chrysopa carnea can perceive ultrasonic frequencies up to at least 100 kilohertz modulated at pulse repetition rates as rapid as 150 per second. The receptor sites are a bilateral pair of small swellings in a vein of the fore wings.