Chromosomes of the genus Arge Schrank, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Argidae): new data and review

Abstract

 Results of the chromosome study of 12 sawfly species of the genus Arge Schrank, 1802 are reviewed, including new data on the karyotypes of A. ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1767) and A. enodis (Linnaeus, 1767) with n = 10. Moreover, the same chromosome number, n = 10, is found in A. ustulata (Linnaeus, 1758), for which n = 8 was previously reported. In addition, n = 8 is confirmed in A. gracilicornis (Klug, 1814). The results of the morphometric analysis of chromosome sets of these four species are given. In the genus Arge, haploid chromosome numbers of n = 8, 10, 11 and 13 were found. Among these sawflies, n = 8 appeared to be the most frequent chromosome number, followed by n = 10. The known data of the chromosome study of these insects are summarized and discussed in the light of phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Arge.