Abstract:
The identification of species B and E in the Anopheles culicifacies complex in the Indian subcontinent
has been based on Y-chromosome karyotype. Since no detectable variations were previously found in DNA markers
commonly used for sibling species identification, further molecular characterization using cytochrome oxidase
subunit I (COI) and microsatellite markers was carried out on Y-chromosome karyotyped Anopheles culicifacies specie
B and E from Unnichchai, Kallady and Ranawarunawa in Sri Lanka.
Findings: COI sequence analysis (n = 22) revealed the presence of nine unique haplotypes with six in each species.
Three haplotypes were shared by both species. The two sibling species had a pairwise FST value of 1.338 (p < 0.05)
with the number of migrants (Nm) value <1. The genetic structure analysis resulted in two genetic clusters not
100 % associated with karyotypes. While none of the species B were incorrectly assigned two were inconclusive.
Five out of 26 specimens karyotyped as species E were incorrectly assigned, while further 9 were inconclusive.
Conclusions: The new molecular data support the existence of two genetically different populations of the
Culicifacies Complex in Sri Lanka that are not associated with the Y-chromosome karyotype. Detailed analysis with
more microsatellite markers and assortative mating experiments are needed to e
