Species Composition and Chromosomal Variability in Populations of the Mosquito Genus Anopheles (Diptera, Culicidae) in the Steppe Zone of the European Territory of Russia

Aim. Analysis of the distribution of twin species and comparison of chromosomal variability of malaria mosquito populations in the European part of Russia both in habitats within the steppe zone and in contrast to habitats of the zone of mixed and deciduous forests.
Methodology. 6 samples of malaria mosquito larvae in the steppe zone and 3 samples in the zone of mixed and deciduous forests were examined. The species composition of mosquitoes was determined by the structure of polytene chromosomes, as well as by the PCR-PRPD method by the composition of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) rDNA. Frequencies of chromosomal inversions in populations in were evaluated An. daciae and An. messeae s. s.
Results. In the studied habitats, when moving from west to east within the steppe zone and when moving to the zone of mixed and deciduous forests, a natural change in the species composition and karyotypic structure of malaria mosquito populations occurs. The level of chromosomal polymorphism in the steppe populations of the malaria mosquito is estimated An. daciae.
Research implications. A variation in the genetic structure of populations of polymorphic species was revealed depending on changes in natural and climatic conditions in the European part of Russia (considered on the example of different parts of its steppe zone and in contrast to the western part of the zone of mixed and deciduous forests).

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