Electrophoretic Monomorphism in Six Biotypes and Two Populations of the Hessian Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Six biotype bulk populations and two geographic populations of the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), were analyzed at 15 presumptive genetic loci using starch gel electrophoresis. Fourteen of the 15 loci appeared monomorphic. One locus, Pgi, varied in biotypes B, E, and a population from Mason, Mich. The level of genetic variation among Hessian fly populations is among the lowest reported for insects. Genetic differentiation among Hessian fly biotypes and populations is also low, ranging from a Nei\u27s D of 0.000 to 0.002. Protein electrophoresis does not appear to provide a quick procedure to identify Hessian fly biotypes