Inheritance Mode of a Red-Eye Mutation in Macrolophus pygmaeus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Genetics
• Biological Control

Background:

• Macrolophus pygmaeus is a key predator for managing pests in greenhouses.
• Wild populations of M. pygmaeus typically have dark eyes (garnet to black).
• A distinct red eye color mutation, termed 'ruby', has been observed in natural populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the inheritance pattern of the red eye color mutation in M. pygmaeus.
• To compare the biological performance of ruby-eyed individuals with wild-type counterparts.
• To assess the potential of the ruby mutation as a visual marker.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a ruby-eyed M. pygmaeus population.
• Genetic analysis to elucidate the mode of inheritance.
• Comparative assessment of biological traits (body size, fecundity, longevity).

Main Results:

• The red eye color is controlled by a single recessive allele on an autosomal chromosome.
• Ruby-eyed M. pygmaeus exhibited significantly larger body size in both sexes.
• Females with the ruby mutation showed increased fecundity and longevity compared to wild-type.

Conclusions:

• The ruby eye color mutation in M. pygmaeus follows simple Mendelian inheritance (autosomal recessive).
• This mutation confers a selective advantage, enhancing key fitness traits.
• The ruby-eyed variant is a valuable tool for population dynamics and ecological studies in biological control programs.