Evidence of parthenogenetic populations from the Paratanytarsus laccophilus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the Alaskan Arctic

Abstract

Parthenogenesis, reproduction without fertilization, is not common in the Chironomidae (Diptera), a family of insects with more than 6,000 described species. Nonetheless, parthenogenetic species and strains have been documented in at least three subfamilies (the Chironominae, Orthocladiinae, and Telmatogoninae), spanning 17 genera and ~30 species. One such species, Paratanytarsus laccophilus Edwards 1929, is known to be parthenogenetic in a small portion of its range in Finland, with most other European populations of this species showing evidence of sexual reproduction. We present evidence of parthenogenetic populations from the Paratanytarsus laccophilus species group in the Nearctic, specifically a High Arctic site near Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska. During May-July of 2015 and 2016, we sampled emerging adult chironomids and pupal exuviae daily to document insect emergence phenologies. Across 15 local populations, all 623 pupal exuviae collected from the P. laccophilus species group were female. Larvae reared from two populations under controlled temperature treatments emerged as female adults (N=37). When isolated, these reared female adults oviposited, and eggs hatched successfully. These progeny were reared for another 12-13 days, reaching second instar larvae when they were preserved at the end of our field season. Taken together, this evidence strongly indicates parthenogenesis from the P. laccophilus species group at this location. This species was not previously documented at Utqiaġvik. Although parthenogenetic, their emergence at this location was highly synchronized. In the harsh environment of arctic Alaska, the fitness rewards of parthenogenesis are likely great. Indeed, chironomid parthenogenesis in the northern hemisphere is most commonly documented from far-northern extremes and in extreme habitats.