Color-morph genetics in the terrestrial isopods Armadillidium nasatum and Porcellionides virgatus

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Abstract
The inheritance of color morphs is reported in 2 terrestrial isopods, A. nasatum and P. virgatus. Six and 3 pure breeding color morphs were developed in the isopods. A. nasatum and P. virgatus, respectively. In the former species, pigmented morphs involve body and eye colors and the albino morph lacks body pigments but possesses normal eye. The morphs were explained by way of 3 loci each with 2 alleles. The later species exists in 2 body pigment morphs and an albino form essentially lacking all pigments. Two loci are involved. The homologous nature of gene loci in terrestrial isopods is reviewed and areas of evolutinary genetics are identified where these markers may be employed.