Intraspecific variability in Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) populations from Guatemala based on chemical and morphometric analyses

CALDERÓN FERNÁNDEZ G.; JUÁREZ M.P.; MONROY M.C.; MENES M.; BUSTAMANTE D.M.; MIJAILOVSKY S.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOC AMER

Año: 2005 vol. 42 p. 29 - 35

0022-2585

The intraspecific variability of T. dimidiata Latreille, a major vector of Chagase 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 analysed 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.