Ceratotoxins: Female-specific X-linked genes from the medfly, Ceratitis capitata

In this paper, we report the chromosomal localization of ceratotoxins, a ge ne family encoding antibacterial female-specific peptides from the mediterr anean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata. The analysis of both polytene and mitot ic chromosomes by in situ hybridization shows that ceratotoxins are the fir st case of female-specific X-linked genes from the medfly C. capitata. Sout hern blot analysis reveals that the ceratotoxin gene family is not specific ally amplified in the female reproductive accessory glands of C. capitata.