Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to localize the 18S
-28S ribosomal RNA gene clusters on the chromosomes of 15 mosquito spe
cies belonging to the Anophelinae and Culicinae subfamilies. In the ge
nus Anopheles the rRNA genes are localized on the heterochromatic arm
of both sex chromosomes. The association between rRNA genes and sex de
termining chromosomes also applies to the homomorphic karyotype of Cul
icinae mosquitoes, at least in those cases in which localization of th
e sex locus/loci has been determined. In these species ribosomal genes
are often found within or adjacent to heterochromatic regions (C band
s). Differences in the location of rRNA genes among and within genera
suggest the occurrence of several chromosomal rearrangements during th
e evolution of mosquitoes.