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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Hybridization in situ of Salivary Glands, Ovaries, and Embryos of Vector Mosquitoes
Published on: June 28, 2012
Evidence of multiple mating and hybridization in Simulium damnosum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) in nature
D A Boakye1, C Back, P M Brakefield
1Institute of Evolutionary and Ecological Sciences, Section of Evolutionary Biology, University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Beakers with aeration were used to rear individual (single) egg batches of Simulium damnosum (Theobald) s.l. to larvae and adults. Chromosomal analysis of the progeny of individual females indicated that multiple mating occurred within the S. damnosum complex and that hybridization occurred between S. damnosum s.s. and S. sirbanum (Vajime & Dunbar) in nature. These results indicate that possibly more extensive hybridization may be taking place in some areas of the Onchocerciasis Control Program than previously reported. Dramatic changes in the rates of hybridization among members of the S. damnosum complex possibly may lead to the formation of new cytotypes.
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