Chromosomal diversity in three species of Lycosa Latreille, 1804 (Araneae, Lycosidae): Inferences on diversification of diploid number and sexual chromosome systems in Lycosinae

Lycosa is one of the most speciose genera in Lycosidae, including species with different sexual chromosome systems (SCS). We carried out cytogenetic analyses in three species of Lycosa, revealing that L. erythrognatha and L. sericovittata share 2n male = 22 and SCS X(1)X(2)0 while L. gr. nordenskjoldi presents 2n male = 19 and SCS XO, composed only of acrocentric chromosomes. All species shared pericentromeric heterochromatin. Nonetheless, one specimen of L. sericovittata carried two chromosomes with terminal heterochromatin and L. gr. nordenskjoldi showed four chromosomes with interstitial heterochromatin plus another chromosome with terminal C-bands. The pericentromeric heterochromatin of all species as well as the terminal heterochromatic blocks in L. sericovittata were CMA(3)(+). The 18S rDNA sites varied in number and type of bearing chromosomes both at inter and intrapopulational levels, with the highest variation in L. gr. nordenskjoldi. These differences may be related to gene dispersal due to the influence of transposition elements and translocation events. Despite these variations, all species shared ribosomal sites in pair 5. This study demonstrated intra and interspecific chromosomal variability of Lycosa, suggesting that chromosomal rearrangements are related to the diversification of diploid number and SCS in this group of spiders.

Automated summary

The study reveals intra and interspecific chromosomal variability in the genus Lycosa, suggesting that chromosomal rearrangements are associated with the diversification of diploid number and sexual chromosome systems in this group of spiders.