Species Boundaries in the Wood-feeding Cockroach Cryptocercus
Nalepa C. 2016. Species Boundaries in the Wood-feeding Cockroach Cryptocercus
"This project is looking at genetic differences that may equate to separate species of the Wood-feeding Cockroach (Cryptocercus punctulatus) and their distribution across the Smokies. At least two chromosomal types have been detected in the park across 53 sites spanning the width of the park. Roaches from the western part of the park have 37 chromosome pairs while those from the eastern part of the park have 39 pairs. To the east and north of the park, roaches have 45 pairs and still farther north into Virginia they have 43 pairs. Some attempted crossing experiments were conducted with park roaches in the lab, with roaches from farther north. Their results also indicate that a change in chromosome number, associated with cryptic species, is not necessarily accompanied by a change in the genes that code for hydrocarbons incorporated in the exoskeleton. Dr. Gaku Tokuda of Japan is analyzing the symbiotic bateria found in the fat bodies of these insects."
- Type
- Generic Dataset
- Authors
- Nalepa, Christine
- Date of Issue
- 2016-10-11
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Cryptocercus punctulatus, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, Origin:External, SER, Southeast Region, StudyID:GRSM-00015, Wood-feeding Cockroach
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Terrestrial Invertebrates