Geographic variation in hybrid fertility in the field crickets Gryllus integer, G. rubens, and Gryllus sp.

Abstract

Hybridization was attempted between three geographically separated field cricket populations having males that produce distinct songs. Gryllus integer from central Texas and G. rubens from Arkansas produced many offspring in both reciprocal crosses. Gryllus sp. from New Mexico also produced hybrid offspring in matings with G. integer and G. rubens but at a very low frequency and only in crosses where the female was Gryllus sp. In previous experiments, G. integer from California was unable to hybridize with G. integer from Texas and G. rubens.