Sex, males, and hermaphrodites in the scale insect Icerya purchasi. (2nd May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mongue, Andrew J.; Michaelides, Sozos; Coombe, Oliver; Tena, Alejandro; Kim, Dong‐Soon; Normark, Benjamin B.; Gardner, Andy; Hoddle, Mark S.; Ross, Laura
• Is Part Of: Evolution. Volume 75:Number 11(2021)
• Page Start: 2972
• Page End: 2983
• Publication Date: 2021-05-02
• Subjects: Androdioecy -- haplodiploidy -- mating systems -- microsatellite markers -- population genetics -- scale insects; Evolution -- Periodicals; Heredity -- Periodicals; Évolution (Biologie) -- Périodiques; Hérédité -- Périodiques; 338.47004094
• DOI: 10.1111/evo.14233
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3820

Abstract

Abstract: Androdioecy (the coexistence of males and hermaphrodites) is a rare mating system for which the evolutionary dynamics are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi, one of only three reported cases of androdioecy in insects. In this species, female‐like hermaphrodites have been shown to produce sperm and self‐fertilize. However, males are ocassionally observed as well. In a large genetic analysis, we show for the first time that, although self‐fertilization appears to be the primary mode of reproduction, rare outbreeding events do occur in natural populations, supporting the hypothesis that hermaphrodites mate with males and hence androdioecy is the mating system of I. purchasi . Thus, this globally invasive pest insect appears to enjoy the colonization advantages of a selfing organism while also benefitting from periodic reintroduction of genetic variation through outbreeding with males.