Intraspecific Variability inTriatoma dimidiata(Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Populations from Guatemala Based on Chemical and Morphometric Analyses

Abstract

The intraspecific variability of Triatoma dimidiata Latreille, a major vector of Chagas disease, was studied in four departments of Guatemala. Insects were collected from either domestic and sylvatic habitats, and their cuticular hydrocarbon pattern and head morphology were analyzed using ordination and classification techniques. A significant discrimination was obtained both with morphometric and hydrocarbon analyses. Insects from northern departments were easily differentiated from southern conspecifics. Distinctive hydrocarbon pattern and head shape were detected for insects collected from caves in the north central region of the country, posing concern about their taxonomic status.

Control of Pyrethroid-Resistant Chagas Disease Vectors with Entomopathogenic Fungi

“…Oven temperature was programmed from 50°C (hold time 2 min) to 180°C at 20°C/min, then 180°C to 310°C at 3°C/min (hold time 10 min). The flame ionization detector (FID) was held at 320°C [21]. The HC amounts were estimated by co-injection with known amounts of n -tetracosane.…”

Hypothesis testing clarifies the systematics of the main Central American Chagas disease vector, Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811), across its geographic range

“…These authors also noted that cave specimens differed from specimens collected outside the caves, similar to other arthropods, with “diminished pigmentation, reduction in size of eyes and ocelli, [and] longer head[s]”; however, a distinct taxonomic group was not suggested for the cave specimens as most of these are well-known environmentally-influenced modifications of cave dwellers. More recent work on antenna structure, head morphometry, and cuticular hydrocarbons has variously clustered T. dimidiata into two to four distinct taxa supporting the identification of unique cave populations, and identifying at least one cryptic species (by cuticular hydrocarbon analysis) (Bustamante et al, 2004; Calderón-Fernández et al, 2005; Calderón-Fernández et al, 2011; Catalá et al, 2005). So phenotypic results suggest one to four taxa.…”

Effect of age on cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in adult Chrysomya putoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

“…CHCs have been used for species differentiation of some insects including parasitic wasps [12], phlebotomines [13,14], anophelines [15,16], culicids [17], triatomines [18,19] and the forensically important Diptera Calliphoridae [20-27] and Sarcophagidae [28]. …”