Molecular identification of two Culex (Culex) species of the neotropical region (Diptera: Culicidae).

ABSTRACT: Culex bidens and C. interfor, implicated in arbovirus transmission in Argentina, are sister species, only distinguishable by feature of the male genitalia; however, intermediate specimens of the species in sympatry have been found. Fourth-instar larvae and females of both species share apomorphic features, and this lack of clear distinction creates problems for specific identification. Geometric morphometric traits of these life stages also do not distinguish the species. The aim of the present study was to assess the taxonomic status of C. bidens and C. interfor using two mitochondrial genes and to determine the degree of their reproductive isolation using microsatellite loci. Sequences of the ND4 and COI genes were concatenated in a matrix of 993 nucleotides and used for phylogenetic and

SUBMITTER: Laurito M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5325596 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature