The role of environment in shaping the genetic diversity of the subalpine mosquito, Aedes rusticus (Diptera, Culicidae)

Abstract

The relative involvement of larval dietary tolerance to the leaf-litter toxic polyphenols in shaping population genetic structure of the subalpine mosquito Aedes rusticus was examined. This was compared with other parameters such as geographical range, type of vegetation surrounding the breeding site, and occurrence of annual larvicidal treatments. Population genetic structure was analysed at 10 presumed neutral polymorphic isoenzyme loci. Toxicological comparisons involved standard bioassays performed on larvae fed on toxic decomposed leaf litter. Significant overall genetic differentiation was observed among the 22 studied populations and within the five defined geographical groups. Analysis of molecular variance revealed an absence of relation between genetic and environmental parameters, genetic variance being essentially found within populations. This suggested that the larval dietary tolerance to the toxic leaf litter and the other studied parameters poorly influence population genetic structure. The local adaptation of subalpine mosquito populations to the surrounding vegetation thus appears as a labile trait. Such a dynamic adaptation is also suggested by the correlation between geographical and toxicological distances and the correlation between dietary tolerance to the leaf-litter toxic polyphenols and annual larvicidal treatments.

Population genetic structure and post-LGM expansion of the plant bug Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) in China

“…Multiple factors can influence population dynamics, genetic diversity and population structure7. For example, strong dispersal ability and human interference promote frequent gene flow between populations, which can decrease genetic subdivision within populations.…”

Genetic Structure and Demographic History of New World Screwworm Across Its Current Geographic Range

“…However, this information is often difÞcult to obtain for species by using classical direct methods based on mark recapture trials (Roderick 1996). As such, the importance of the use of genetic markers and the study of the levels and patterns of genetic diversity in insect vectors and pests is growing (David et al 2003, Conn and Mirabello 2007, Porretta et al 2007.…”

Population Genetics of Two Asexually and Sexually Reproducing Psocids Species Inferred by the Analysis of Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Sequences

“…Actually, high haplotype diversity at a gene locus within populations is determined by many other factors, including large population size, environmental heterogeneity, life-history traits, and origin and ages of the species [58]. Among these factors, environmental heterogeneity is the most key factor [4] and asexual reproduction can also have important consequences for observed levels of sequence polymorphism [59], [60]. Indeed, the higher genetic diversity of mitochondrial genes in asexual populations of psocid, Echmepteryx hageni (bark lice) was reported when comparing to its sexual populations [24].…”

“…Levels of genetic diversity in natural populations primarily reflect long-term processes in which a balance is achieved between the generation of diversity by new mutations and loss of diversity by drift. Food resources, dispersal ability (active or passive), geographic isolation, exposure to pesticides and other environmental factors can influence and shape a pest's population structure [4]. A thorough understanding of genetic diversity and population structure on both large and local geographic scales are crucial.…”