The process of domestication in triatominae

Quantification of the genetic change in the transition of Rhodnius pallescens Barber, 1932 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from field to laboratory

“…Triatomine adaptation to human dwellings may similarly pass through the founder effects seen in laboratory colonies if gene flow is absent or restricted (Schofield et al 1999). An extensive study throughout Venezuela using 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci did not reveal subdivision between sylvatic and domestic ecotopes (F st values were not significant), indicative of active bidirectional gene flow (Fitzpatrick et al 2008).…”

“…In addition, morphological changes have been detected in these colonies, including significant reductions in average body, head and wing size, the degree of sexual dimorphism, relaxation of bilateral symmetry and differences in the antennal sensilla patterns (Schofield 1994, Dujardin et al 1997a, b, 1999a, b, c, d, Dujardin 1998, Schofield et al 1999, Jaramillo et al 2002, Catalá et al 2004. Thus, differences between field and laboratory colonies could parallel those between sylvatic and synanthropic populations ).…”

“…If a newly founded population is isolated from its sylvatic congeners, genetic diversity is restricted and the diversity of the isolated population decreases (Dujardin 1998, Schofield et al 1999. Therefore, when house colonies are established these restrictions cause genetic drift with a consequent loss of allelic variability, which may make the isolated colony genetically distinct from the wild population from which it originated (Dujardin 1998, Schofield et al 1999.…”

Morphometric changes of Triatoma flavida Neiva, 1911 (Hemiptera:Triatominae) in the transition from sylvatic to laboratory conditions

“…For instance, natural selection may favor larger phenotypes in less favorable (more unstable or "sylvatic") habitats, possibly due to a greater capacity to resist temporary food shortages, whereas smaller individuals apparently survive better under laboratory or domestic conditions where food availability is less restricted 4,11 . 6 also suggested that the size reduction could reveal the effect of population density on bug size: in laboratory colonies each individual would get less blood because of competition, smaller individuals would survive and the average size decrease.…”

“…T. flavida, is a sylvatic species but is reportedly attracted to houses by lights 8 . In recent years, there have been increasing reports of little-known species of Triatominae establishing domestic colonies, previously considered to be exclusively sylvatic in habitats 11 . In this regard, our study contributes to the entomological surveillance of a potential vector of Chagas disease.…”