Triatominae as a model of morphological plasticity under ecological pressure

Occurrence of hybrids and laboratory evidence of fertility among three species of the Phyllosoma complex (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Mexico

“…Moreover, ITS-2 and CytB markers and the use of antennal phenotype studies have always reached the same conclusion (Marcilla et al 2001, Bargues et al 2002, 2010. By analyzing many interfertile experiments (Mazzotti & Osorio 1942, Martínez-Ibarra et al 2008b, it can be concluded that in triatomines, morphological differentiation appears faster than the appearance of reproductive or genetic barriers (Dujardin et al 1999, Bargues et al 2008). As Mayr and Ashlock (1991) established, only subspecies that are isolated are incipient species, whereas subspecies that are part of a continuum are not.…”

Chromosome homogeneity in populations of Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva 1911 (Hemiptera - Reduviidae - Triatominae)

“…The morphological, ecological, and molecular differences observed between the chromatic forms of T. brasiliensis (see Introduction) indicate that the populations of this species are in a differentiation process that does not involve their chromosomal organization. This differentiation might lead to a speciation process, which in Triatominae seems to be a rapid process mainly driven by ecological factors (Dujardin et al, 1999).…”

Genetic structure of Triatoma venosa (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): molecular and morphometric evidence

“…According to the sexual dimorphism reduction reported by Dujardin et al (1999) the domiciliation process of triatomines in transition from a natural habitat to an artificial one leads to a reduction of such dimorphism. The stated sexual dimorphism found in the studied groups of T. venosa suggests a recent invasion process of the artificial ecotopes.…”