Abstract
A cytogenetic study of Anopheles messeae Fall., 1926 natural populations was conducted in two biotopes of the Astana vicinity (Kuigenjar and International, Akmola Region). Polytene chromosomes were prepared from salivary glands of fourth-instar larvae using the lacto-aceto-orcein squash technique; 111 karyotypes were analysed. Pronounced inversion polymorphism was observed in chromosome arms XL, 3R, and 3L, whereas chromosome arm 2R was nearly monomorphic. The dominant sex-chromosome genotype was XL11; chromosome 3L showed the highest variability (3L 01 heterozygotes: 47.4% and 66.6%). Interpopulation differences were significant for 3R (χ 2 =4.37; p<0.05) and 3L (χ 2 =6.21; p<0.05); the International population deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ 2 =6.87; p<0.05). The data confirm the adaptive nature of chromosomal polymorphism and local biotope differentiation within an urbanised landscape.