Insect sex determination

We investigate the diversity and molecular genetic regulation of sex determination systems in various insect species (see Beukeboom & Perrin 2014 book). The housefly (Musca domestica; Diptera) has a polymorphic sex determination system with different male- and female determining loci. We investigate the geographical distribution of these variants, identify the genes involved and characterise their genomic composition. The jewel wasp (Nasonia vitripennis; Hymenoptera) reproduces by haplodiploidy with sex determination based on ploidy level differences between the sexes. We are elucidating the molecular regulation of its sex determination cascade. Leptopilina and Asobara wasps are studied for the role of endosymbionts in the manipulation of their reproductive mode and sex determination system.