Cytogenetic Characterization of the Lower-Attine Mycocepurus goeldii (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini)

摘要

The objective of this study was the cytogenetic characterization - number, morphology and banding pattern - of Mycocepurus goeldii Forel, 1893 as a contribution for a better comprehension of the evolution of the Attini tribe, a p articular group of ants that obligately depend on the cultivation of fungus for food. The chromosome number observed was 2n=8 chromosomes (2K=8M). C-banding technique indicated positive markings in the centromeric regions of three pairs of chromosomes, and the second-largestpair had a pericentro-meric band on its long arm. Also, C-banding markings were coincident with CMA_3 fluorochrome markings. The germs Mycocepurus is characterized by the lowest chromosome number in the Attini tribe, suggesting the karyotype to be relict, based on Minimum Interaction Theory. This plesiomorphy confirms this genus in a basal condition relative to the remaining Attini.