# Inheritance Mode of a Red-Eye Mutation in Macrolophus pygmaeus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

## TL;DR

This study identifies a red-eye mutation in a predatory insect and shows it is inherited as a recessive trait, with potential use as a visual marker.

## Contribution

The study determines the inheritance mode of a red-eye mutation and compares its biological traits in Macrolophus pygmaeus.

## Key findings

- The red-eye mutation is controlled by a single autosomal recessive allele.
- Red-eyed individuals show increased body size, fecundity, and longevity.
- The red-eye variant could serve as a useful visual marker for ecological studies.

## Abstract

Macrolophus pygmaeus is an important biological control agent used to manage whiteflies and other arthropod pests in greenhouse crops. The typical eye color of adult individuals of this predator ranges from garnet to black. However, adults with bright red eyes were found in wild populations. The aim of this study was to determine the mode of inheritance of this mutation. In addition, the biological traits of the red-eyed population were compared with those of a normal population. To achieve this, a laboratory population carrying this red eye color mutation was established. The mutation, known as ruby, is controlled by a single autosomal recessive allele. The red-eyed individuals showed superior performance in certain traits, such as the size of both males and females, as well as the fecundity and longevity of females. Finally, it is suggested that this red-eyed variant could serve as a useful visual marker for scientific studies on the biology and ecology of this beneficial insect.

A mutation affecting eye color was discovered in Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Hemiptera: Miridae). This species is an important biological control agent used to manage whiteflies and other arthropod pests in greenhouse crops. Typically, these predators exhibit a dark eye coloration, ranging from garnet to black. However, individuals with bright red eyes have been identified within wild populations, making them easily distinguishable. The objective of this study was to study the mode of inheritance of the red eye color mutation observed. Additionally, a comparative analysis of key biological traits was conducted between individuals carrying the mutation and those from a wild-type population. From these specimens, a population carrying this eye color mutation, referred to as ruby, was established. Genetic analyses revealed that the red coloration is controlled by a single recessive allele located on an autosomal chromosome. Red-eyed individuals exhibited superior performance in biological traits, including greater body size in both males and females, as well as increased fecundity and longevity in females. The utilization of this red-eyed variant could be valuable as a visual marker in ecological and biological studies of population dynamics.