Data from: Genetic and genomic architecture of species-specific cuticular hydrocarbon variation in parasitoid wasps

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) serve two fundamental functions in
insects: protection against desiccation and
chemical signaling. How the interaction of genes shapes
CHC profiles, which are essential for insect survival, adaptation, and
reproductive success, is still poorly understood. Here
we investigate the genetic and genomic basis of CHC biosynthesis
and variation in parasitoid wasps of the genus Nasonia. We mapped
91 quantitative trait loci (QTL) explaining variation of a total of 43
CHCs in F2 hybrid males from interspecific crosses between
three Nasonia species. To identify candidate genes, we
localized orthologs of CHC biosynthesis-related genes in
the Nasonia genomes. We discovered multiple genomic
regions where the location of QTL coincides with the location of CHC
biosynthesis-related candidate genes. Most conspicuously, on a region on
chromosome 1 close to the centromere, multiple CHC biosynthesis-related
candidate genes co-localize with several QTL explaining variation in
methyl-branched alkanes. The genetic underpinnings behind this compound
class are not well understood so far, despite their high potential for
encoding chemical information as well as their prevalence in hymenopteran
CHC profiles. Our study considerably extends our knowledge on the genetic
architecture governing this fundamental compound class, establishing a
model for methyl-branched alkane genetics in the Hymenoptera in general.