Allele-specific PCR reveals thatCYP6D1 is on chromosome 1 in the house fly,Musca domestica

A cytochrome P450, termed P450lpr, is the major P450 responsible for pyrethroid resistance in the Learn-PyR (LPR) strain of house fly. Recently, the putative gene (CYP6D1) coding for P450_lpr has been sequenced from the LPR and aabys strains of house fly. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) was used for linkage group analysis with backcross progeny from the wild type LPR strain and a multiple marker strain (aabys). We found thatCYP6D1 is linked to chromosome 1. The possible role of regulatory or modifying genes responsible for elevated P450_lpr expression is discussed in relation to the chromosomal linkage ofCYP6D1.     

Head movements mediated by halteres in the fly,Musca domestica

Zusammenfassung Ein bisher unbekannter, durch die Halteren ausgelöster Reflex wird fürMusca domestica beschrieben: kompensatorische Kopfdrehung bei Rotation um die Längsachse während des Fluges.     

Selection of high-level abamectin resistance from field-collected house flies,Musca domestica

Summary Abamectin is a novel, highly promising insecticide with activity against many pests. To determine if resistance to abamectin could occur, we collected house flies from several New York dairies and selected them in the laboratory. Resistance developed repidly and to a high level (36 or>60,000-fold, depending upon test technique and/or adjuvant) that could not be overcome by the synergists piperonyl butoxide orS,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate. There was no increase in (cross)resistance to crotoxyphos, dichlorvos, dimethoate, tetrachlorvinphos, permethrin, dieldrin or lindane following abamectin selection. Our results suggest the potential for abamectin resistance is high, at least in house flies, and that the judicious use of abamectin will be needed to prolong its usefulness as an insecticide.     

Selection of high-level abamectin resistance from field-collected house flies, Musca domestica

Abamectin is a novel, highly promising insecticide with activity against many pests. To determine if resistance to abamectin could occur, we collected house flies from several New York dairies and selected them in the laboratory. Resistance developed rapidly and to a high level (36 or greater than 60,000-fold, depending upon test technique and/or adjuvant) that could not be overcome by the synergists piperonyl butoxide or S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate. There was no increase in (cross)resistance to crotoxyphos, dichlorvos, dimethoate, tetrachlorvinphos, permethrin, dieldrin or lindane following abamectin selection. Our results suggest the potential for abamectin resistance is high, at least in house flies, and that the judicious use of abamectin will be needed to prolong its usefulness as an insecticide.     

Recombination in the male housefly,Musca domestica

Summary Autosome II recombinations of up to 30.7% were found in male houseflies bearing a Y-chromosome translocation on autosome II. This is the highest recorded rate of recombination found in male houseflies, therefore indicating another possible source of genetic variation. The male crossover rates were related to map distances and resulted in an inaccurate estimate for one of the loci. Explanations are provided. Male crossing-over is related to cytogenetics of the Y-chromosome.     

Site of sex pheromone biosynthesis in the female housefly,Musca domestica L.

Summary The primary site of sex pheromone biosynthesis in the female housefly is the abdominal integument tissue, whereas the contribution of the legs is relatively minor. A substantial portion of the sex pheromone components are, however, transferred from the abdomen to the legs, probably as a result of grooming.Acknowledgment. This work was supported by the Science and Education Administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture under grant No. 7801064 from the Competitive Research Grants Office. Contribution of the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series No 524. Housefly pupae were kindly supplied by Dr Ted Shapas, S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc., Racine, Wisconsin.Author for correspondence.     

G-banding patterns of the housefly,Musca domestica,autosomes and sex chromosomes

Summary G-banding patterns were found on the X-chromosomes of the housefly. This indicates the presence of major gene loci on these chromosomes, i.e. sex-linked genes. G-banding patterns were also found on the Y-chromosome of 2 preparations. The first polyploid cell (a tetraploid, 2n=24) forMusca domestica was observed in one of the banding preparations.     

Co-enzyme a content in the American cockroach (Periplaneta Americana L.) and the housefly (Musca domestica L.)

Riassunto Gli autori hanno dosato il CoA nei muscoli della coxa diPeriplaneta americana ed inMusca domestica in toto. Vengono messe in evidenza le differenze del contenuto in CoA dei muscoli bianchi e rossi della coxa di blatta. Viene inoltre messo in evidenza l'aumento progressivo del CoA, durante i primi 9 giorni di vita dell'adulto, inM. domestica.     

Cytological and genetic localization of a Y-autosome translocation in an australian strain of the housefly,Musca domestica

Summary The Australian housefly strainKIN lacks a separate Y-chromosome and both males and females have 2 X-chromosomes. Genetic analyses showed the presence of the male-determining factor on autosome II, while cytological analyses demonstrated that part of the Y-chromosome has become attached to the same autosome. The Y-chromosome material is thus indicated as the site of the male-determining factor in this strain.     

Influence of social experience on sexual readiness of male house crickets,Acheta domestica

Summary MaleAcheta domestica were deprived of social experience at three different life stages and mated as 2-or 3-day adults. Those deprived from the egg stage were found to copulate morereadily than males which had social experience.The data were taken from a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph. D. degree at the City University of New York.     

Molecular characterization and expression of the antimicrobial peptide defensin from the housefly (Musca domestica)

A 430-bp cDNA encoding the insect antimicrobial peptide defensin was cloned from the housefly, and designated Musca domestica defensin (Mdde). The open reading frame of the cDNA encoded a 92-amino acid peptide with an N-terminal signal sequence followed by a propeptide that is processed by cleavage to a 40-amino acid mature peptide. Northern analysis and in situ hybridization identified the corresponding mRNA in the fat body of bacterially challenged houseflies and in the epidermis of the body wall of naive and challenged houseflies. The Gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli) is a strong inducer of the gene. By RT-PCR, Mdde mRNA was also detected in naive and challenged insects. These findings suggest that the defensin gene is constitutively expressed in the epidermis of the housefly body wall. The predicted mature form of Mdde was expressed as a recombinant peptide in E. coli and Pichia pastoris. The recombinant Mdde expressed in Pichia was active against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. Received 20 June 2006; received after revision 3 October 2006; accepted 30 October 2006