Paracentric Inversions and Detection of Sex Linked Recessive Lethals in Aedes Aegypti

Two sex linked paracentric inversions one on m chromosome, marked with bz (bronze body) and the other on M chromosome, marked with w (white eye), were artificially induced with X-irradiation and isolated. The inversions are designated as In. (1)1 and In. (1)2 respectively. The former is more than 23 units long and the later more than 16 units. Both suppress crossing over markedly and are associated with partial sterility. The two inversions are utilized as crossover suppressors in a technique designed for detecting sex linked recessive lethals. The technique works satisfactorily with certain limitations. The possibility of combining inversions with other chromosomal aberrations for genetic control of Aedes aegypti populations is suggested.