Steep variation in mitochondrial DNA and B chromosomes among natural populations of Eyprepocnemis plorans (Acrididae)

Restriction enzyme analysis of the mitochondrial DNA of Eyprepocnemis plora ns with 9 restriction enzymes revealed low variability - only EcoRI reveale d any variability with 3 distinguishable digestion patterns, here named typ es I, II and III. The samples studied were collected from regions where dif ferent types of B chromosome exist. The demes from the central area show th e B-I type (as a relief of a probably once continuous distribution) and als o mtDNA type II. These show a parallel substitution towards the SW neighbou ring demes by other Bs and mtDNA type I. However, the latter mtDNA type had a wider distribution and is predominant, or even the only one found in mos t other samples where other Bs exist. Considering the mtDNA as a marker unl inked with the Bs, some genetic differences should exist among areas define d by the B chromosomes. Our results support the hypothesis that in the cent ral region the B chromosomes and the mtDNA are involved in two different ev ents of substitution, but these do not necessarily occur in the same way.