Triatoma brasiliensis species complex: characterization of the external female genitalia

ABSTRACTTheTriatoma brasiliensis complex is composed of six species (Triatoma bahiensis, T. juazerensis, T. lenti, T. melanica, T. petrocchiae, andT. sherlocki) and two subspecies (T. brasiliensis brasiliensis andT. b. macromelasoma). Phylogenetic studies have shown that it is a monophyletic group, but the morphological relationships among the members can be better understood. We applied a tool of high resolution based on morphology to identify details that characterize the female genitals for each member of this group. The external genital structures of five to fifteen females of each taxon were analyzed. Insects had their abdomen transversely cut to separate the last abdominal segments, and representative illustrations obtained via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are shown. Observations were performed in the dorsal and the ventral views. The morphological characterization of female external genitalia allowed a differentiation of each species/subspecies. The subspeciesT. b. brasiliensis andT. b. macromelasoma were the most similar. On the other hand, dorsal view of structures evidenced some unique characteristics forT.petrocchiae andT. sherlocki. Regarding these structures forT. petrocchiae, the differentiation was in accordance with molecular studies, since this species exhibits the highest genetic distances in relation to other species ofT. brasiliensis complex.

Source: Journal of Vector Ecology - June 2, 2020 Category: Biology Authors: Jader Oliveira, Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi, Carlos Eduardo Almeida, Vagner Jos é Mendonça, Jane Costa, João Aristeu Rosa Tags: Original Article Source Type: research