Identification and chromosomal localization of mariner-like elements in the cabbage moth Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera).

A complete mariner-like element has been identified in the lepidopteran Mamestra brassicae. This element, called Mbmar, represents a new type of mariner transposon. It has a transposase similar to that of other insect mariner coding sequences but its inverted terminal repeats differ from typical mariner ones. This observation is unique since generally both mariner coding region and ITRs are evolutionarily conserved in insects. Mbmar is detectable by FISH only in the heterochromatic regions of both the sex chromosomes.