Temporal patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation in the epidemiologically important drone fly, Eristalis tenax

Abstract

Eristalis tenax L. (Diptera: Syrphidae) is commonly known as the drone fly (adult) or rat-tailed maggot (immature). Both adults and immature stages are identified as potential mechanical vectors of mycobacterial pathogens, and early-stage maggots cause accidental myiasis. We compared four samples from Mount Fruška Gora, Serbia, with the aim of obtaining insights into the temporal variations and sexual dimorphism in the species. This integrative approach was based on allozyme loci, morphometric wing parameters (shape and size) and abdominal colour patterns. Consistent sexual dimorphism was observed, indicating that male specimens had lighter abdomens and smaller and narrower wings than females. The distribution of genetic diversity at polymorphic loci indicated genetic divergence among collection dates. Landmark-based geometric morphometrics revealed, contrary to the lack of divergence in wing size, significant wing shape variation throughout the year. In addition, temporal changes in the frequencies of the abdominal patterns observed are likely to relate to the biology of the species and ecological factors in the locality. Hence, the present study expands our knowledge of the genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity of E. tenax. The quantification of such variability represents a step towards the evaluation of the adaptive potential of this species of medical and epidemiological importance.

Assessing spatial population structure and heterogeneity in the dronefly

“…Regarding the multivoltine biology of the species, different moments of sampling may also have partially contributed to the genetic heterogeneity results (collection dates are included in Table ). Still, our previous results based on the same allozyme loci indicated that there are no differences among annual collection dates of E. tenax (Francuski et al ., ). In addition, some of the samples differed significantly to each other, despite being geographically proximate and collected in a single time point (e.g.…”

“…Running conditions are described in detail in Francuski et al . (). Allele frequencies at variable loci are given in Supporting Information http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jzo.12278/suppinfo.…”

“…More detailed information on locations and collection dates are summarized in Table 1. We obtained individual genotypes from subsets of individuals used in previous studies: Francuski et al (2011;2013a,b;2014a,b). Sample sizes in populations ranged from 11 to 122 individuals while distance between sampling sites ranged from 17 to 3322 km.…”

Geometric morphometric analysis of Colombian Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae) reveals significant effect of environmental factors on wing traits and presence of a metapopulation

“…Although the relationship between wing shape and environment remains unclear, one possible explanation is that this phenotypic trait, controlled by numerous genetic factors (Birdsall et al, 2000; Zimmerman et al, 2000), might be sensitive to environmental stressors during development (Klingenberg, 2010). Additionally, seasonal and temporal variations can affect the wing size and shape of insects (Francuski et al, 2011; Schachter-Broide et al, 2009; Vidal et al, 2012). Because the mosquitoes analyzed in this study were caught over a three year period, covering dry (December–February and June–August) and rainy (March–May and September–November) seasons, the effect of time and seasonality cannot be discarded.…”

Landscape genetics and spatial pattern of phenotypic variation ofEristalis tenaxacross Europe

“…Running conditions are described in detail by Francuski et al. (). Five of the 18 loci analysed were polymorphic: Ao , Aat , Est‐ 2, Est‐ 4 and Me .…”