The Lutzomyia longipalpis complex: a brief natural history of aggregation-sex pheromone communication

Abstract

In this paper we review the natural history of pheromone communication and the current diversity of aggregation-sex pheromones in the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis. This species complex is the main vector of Leishmania infantum, the agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. The identification of variation in pheromone chemotypes combined with molecular and sound analyses have all contributed to our understanding of the extent of divergence among cryptic members of this complex. The importance of chemical signals as pre-mating barriers and drivers of speciation is discussed. Moreover, the importance of aggregation-sex pheromones as sexually selected signals is highlighted with evidence from the literature suggesting their potential role in species and mate recognition as well as mate assessment. The distinct evolutionary forces possibly involved are briefly reviewed and discussed in the context of this intriguing insect.

<i>Lutzomyia longipalpis</i> Breeding—A Probable Breeding Substrate for <i>Lutzomyia longipalpis</i> in Nature

“…A similar comportment called wing flapping was already observed before in L. longipalpis, associated with response to kairomones or pheromone production [24] [25].…”

Molecular signatures of sexual communication in the phlebotomine sand flies

“…One such disease, leishmaniasis, is endemic in 98 countries with an estimated 700,000 to 1 million new cases leading to 26- Sand flies of both the genera display robust olfactory behaviors to locate suitable hosts, oviposition sites and mates [4]. In contrast to most disease vectors, which do not employ long range chemical communication to locate potential mates [5], sand flies of the Lutzomyia species complex employ an elaborate pheromone communication system [4,6], wherein males produce pheromone(s) that attract conspecific males to courtship aggregations (leks), and attract females to the lekking males. In L. longipalpis, these aggregation-sex pheromones are produced in tergal glands that appear as pale patches or "spots" on the abdomen [6].…”

“…In contrast to most disease vectors, which do not employ long range chemical communication to locate potential mates [5], sand flies of the Lutzomyia species complex employ an elaborate pheromone communication system [4,6], wherein males produce pheromone(s) that attract conspecific males to courtship aggregations (leks), and attract females to the lekking males. In L. longipalpis, these aggregation-sex pheromones are produced in tergal glands that appear as pale patches or "spots" on the abdomen [6]. Historically, the number of spots -one spot (1S) or two spots (2S) -served as a potential phenotypic marker for cryptic species complex in L. longipalpis [6].…”

“…In L. longipalpis, these aggregation-sex pheromones are produced in tergal glands that appear as pale patches or "spots" on the abdomen [6]. Historically, the number of spots -one spot (1S) or two spots (2S) -served as a potential phenotypic marker for cryptic species complex in L. longipalpis [6]. The first evidence of the existence of the L. longipalpis species complex was obtained in Brazil [7], and genetic variability in sand flies with potential implication in leishmaniasis has long been emphasized [8].…”

Insecticide-impregnated netting as a potential surface treatment: an alternative to insecticide spraying for control of the leishmaniasis vector Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)?

“…These heterogeneously distributed aggregations are where the females take a blood meal and mate. Although it is not clear why some aggregation sites are favoured over other potential sites, the aggregation behaviour is largely driven by the male produced sexaggregation pheromone [16,17]. The use of insecticide has a disruptive effect on Lu.…”