Polytene Chromosomes of Zaprionus Vittiger Coquillett

Abstract

The karyotype of Zaprionus vittiger consists of six chromosomes, five of which are banded polytene arms extending
from a chromocentre in squashed preparations of the salivary glands. The sixth appears as a heterochromatic
protrusion. The chromosomes are acrocentric and joined together at heterochromatin around the centromere
to form a chromocenter which is easily broken. Zaprionus vittiger Coquillett were trapped in the university of
Lags botanical Garden. Salivary glands chromosomes of Zaprionus vittiger Coquillett third instar larvae were
prepared and examined under the microscope. The examination focused on the structure and characteristics of the
terminal ends of different chromosomes which can be used to identify them in Zaprionus vittiger salivary glands
chromosomes preparations.