Key Cytogenetic Features Across Some Amazonian Cephalotes Species
Our study provides the first comparative cytogenetic overview of four Amazonian Cephalotes species, revealing a clear bimodal pattern in chromosome numbers across the genus. Low chromosome numbers in C. atratus and C. cordatus (2n = 22–24) contrast sharply with the higher numbers observed in C. minutus, C. simillimus, C. pusillus, and C. angustus (2n = 42–44). Integrating rDNA site positions, recent phylogenetic hypotheses, and karyotype data from the sister genus Procryptocerus strongly supports a low number ancestral karyotype for Cephalotes, likely 2n = 22. The unique clustered (GA)n microsatellite pattern in C. atratus further underscores the distinctiveness of this lineage. We proposed that centric fission, often accompanied by inversions, are the main drivers of karyotype diversification among turtle ants.
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