Meiotic stability of B chromosomes and production of macrospermatids in Aiolopus strepens (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Four males from several Spanish natural populations of Aiolopus strepens were found to carry B chromosomes. These are short and acrocentric and are identical in the different individuals. They show mitotic instability and meiotic stability. When present in odd numbers one unpaired B is generally observed, while in even numbers they usually form bivalents. In no case were lagging B's observed. B chromosomes do not affect nucleolar expression. A significant increase in the number of macrospermatids is found in individuals with B's. This is more pronounced in follicles containing odd numbers of supernumerary chromosomes. A possible explanation based on an assumed influence of B univalents on the maintenance of intercellular connections is discussed. Key words: B chromosomes, spermiogenesis, insect cytogenetics.