Multiple mating and family structure of the western tent caterpillar, Malacosoma californicum pluviale: impact on disease resistance.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Levels of genetic diversity can strongly influence the dynamics and evolutionary changes of natural populations. Survival and disease resistance have been linked to levels of genetic diversity in eusocial insects, yet these relationships remain untested in gregarious insects where disease transmission can be high and selection for resistance is likely to be strong.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we use 8 microsatellite loci to examine genetic variation in 12 families of western tent caterpillars, Malacosoma californicum pluviale from four different island populations to determine the relationship of genetic variability to survival and disease resistance. In addition these genetic markers were used to elucidate the population structure of western tent caterpil

SUBMITTER: Franklin MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3360058 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature