Cytogenetic data on the agro-predatory ant Megalomyrmex incisus Smith, 1947 and its host, Mycetophylax conformis (Mayr, 1884) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract. We provide the first karyotype description of the agro-predatory ant species Megalomyrmex incisus Smith, 1947 (Myrmicinae, Formicidae), and chromosome counts of its host Mycetophylax conformis (Mayr, 1884) (Myrmicinae, Formicidae) from geographically distinct populations. Colonies of both species were sampled from coastal areas of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, and transferred to the laboratory. Metaphase spreads were prepared from the cerebral ganglia of defecated larvae. The slides were examined and pictures of the best metaphases were taken. The chromosome number for Megalomyrmex incisus was 2n=50 and n=25. The karyotype of this species consists of 20 metacentric and 5 submetacentric pairs. Thus, the karyotype formula of the diploid set was 2K=40M + 10SM and a fundamental number FN=100. The host species Mycetophylax conformis has 2n=30 and the karyotype consisting of 11 metacentric and 4 submetacentric pairs. The karyotype formula was 2K=22M + 8SM, and a fundamental number FN=60. Megalomyrmex incisus showed a slightly higher chromosome number, placed at the marginal range of the known distribution of haploid karyotypes of the Myrmicinae. The chromosome number and chromosomal morphology of Mycetophylax conformis corresponded to those of previously studied populations, suggesting its karyotype stability.