A model for polygenic inheritance of abdominal tergal scale pattern in Aedes aegypti

There is much variation in the amount of white scaling on the abdominal tergites of Aedes aegypti. The genetic basis for this white scale pattern was investigated in two laboratory strains established by selection from the CARN Strain of Ae. aegypti. These experimental strains were crossed in all possible directions in single pair matings. Based on analysis of their progeny it is proposed that genes at three separate independently assorting loci control abdominal tergal scale pattern. Correlation of observed data and expected data was high. Since the abdominal tergal scale pattern in Ae. aegypti appears to be controlled by one major polygenic system with modifiers, it is proposed that it is better to consider differences in ethology, physiology, and reproductive behavior as the bases for separation of the species into intraspecific groups.