New molecular markers for phlebotomine sand flies

Using degenerate-primers PCR we isolated and sequenced fragments from the s and fly Lutzomyia longipalpis homologous to two behavioural genes in Drosop hila, cacophony and period. In addition we identified a number of other gen e fragments that show homology to genes previously cloned in Drosophila. A codon usage table for L. longipalpis based on these and other genes was cal culated. These new molecular markers will be useful in population genetics and evolutionary studies in phlebotomine sand flies and in establishing a p reliminary genetic map in these important leishmaniasis vectors. (C) 2001 A ustralian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.