Karyotypes and chromosome rearrangements in two tribes of weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Sciaphilini and Braehydrini).

A description of karyotypes in two tribes of weevils, Sciaphilini and Brachyderini, was carried out with a discussion on the main trends of chromosomal evolution occurring in these groups. Some important cytological characteristics, such as chromosome morphology, sex determination type, pattern of male meiosis, B chromosome occurrence, as well as C-heterochromatin, NOR localization, and fluorochrome AT and GC specific staining are presented. The chromosome numbers and morphology in the two tribes of weevils are highly conserved. With the exception of one species, all possessed a diploid number of 22 chromosomes or triploid number of 33 chromosomes. Constitutive heterochromatin was observed in the pericentromeric regions of the majority ofthe chromosomes. In some species, additional constitutive heterochromatin was also observed in interstitial positions. The study of meiotic cells revealed the occurrence of total synapsis between autosomes, the presence of one terminal, interstitial or two chiasmata, reductional behaviour and regular segregation of all chromosomes, as well as the formation of associations of the Xy(p) type in sex chromosomes. Testicular cells impregnated with silver nitrate demonstrated NORs localized on autosomes and argentophilic material in the space between the X and y chromosomes. The use of CMA3/DAPI staining showed that centromeric heterochromatin is AT-rich, whereas CMA3 bands were probably conincident with NOR sites.