Morphological differentiation between seven Brazilian populations of Haemagogus capricornii and Hg. janthinomys (Diptera: Culicidae) using geometric morphometry of the wings

Abstract

Introduction: Haemagogus capricornii and Hg. janthinomys females are considered morphologically indistinguishable. We analyzed morphometric variability between Brazilian populations of these species using wing geometric morphometry. Methods: Size and shape at intra-and interspecific levels were analyzed in 108 Hg. capricornii and Hg. janthinomys females. Results: Geometric morphometry indicated size and shape variables can differentiate these species at interspecific level. However, at intraspecific level, results show relative differentiation. Two populations of Hg. capricornii had a smaller centroid size with no significant differences between them, whereas all Hg. janthinomys populations showed significant differences. Conclusions: Both species were correctly identified by geometric morphometry.

Wing Geometric Morphometrics as a Tool for the Identification of Culex Subgenus Mosquitoes of Culex (Diptera: Culicidae)

“…In many studies of interspecific variation, WGM has been used to identify species based on the reclassification scores. Analysing three Aedes species from Thailand, values of 73 to 93% were found [ 37 ] and in two Haemagogus species from Brazil, values were from 67 to 81% [ 38 ]. Still in Brazil, Cx.…”