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Wing geometry in Triatoma infestans (Klug) and T. melanosoma Martinez, Olmedo & Carcavallo (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract:

Geometric morphometrics is a novel approach to biological shape analysis, and its application to medical entomology is just beginning. Here, we use it to examine geographical and interspecific variation in the Triatoma infestans complex, vectors of Chagas disease in southern Latin America. Using six landmarks defining the membranous part of the hemelytra, we analysed the geographical patterns of variation in several populations of T. infestans, including the recently described 'dark morph' of T. infestans from hollow trees in the Bolivian Chaco. As a potential outgroup, T. melanosoma was added to the sample. A consistent geographical differentiation was observed, but no evidence was found in either sex to consider either the dark morph or T. melanosoma as a species distinct from T. infestans. Triatoma melanosoma is relegated to synonymy with T. infestans (syn.n.).