Presenters: Esme Cope
Authors: Esme Cope, Whisper Doliwa
Faculty Advisor: Aaron Davis
Institution: Dixie State University
A species complex occurs when related organisms differ minimally, causing discrepancy in the taxonomy.Culexare a complex that are morphologically identical between females, differing only in their behavioral and physiological characteristics. In 2004, the hybridizing zone of theCulexcomplex was determined in California using molecular analysis, withCx. pipiensoccurring North of 39° latitude, andCx. quinquefasciatusoccurring South of 36° latitude. Between these latitudes, the two species overlap and a hybrid species can occur. The population dynamics of theCx.complex established in California was used as a baseline for this study, representing the molecular distribution of the species across the Western United States. Using PCR and gel electrophoresis, the differences betweenCx. pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and their hybrids can be identified. The hybridization distribution of theCx. complex was determined in Utah and surrounding states. This established a spatiotemporal distribution of the complex which provides a baseline for examining the effects anthropogenic climate change may have on theCx.complex.