Biogeographic origin and phylogenetic relationships of Mepraia (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) on islands of northern Chile.

ABSTRACT: Chagas disease is one of the main zoonoses mediated by vectors in America. The etiological agent is the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted mainly by hematophagous insects of the subfamily Triatominae. Mepraia species are triatomines endemic to Chile that play an important role in T. cruzi transmission in the wild cycle and are potential vectors for humans. In addition to the continental distribution, populations of Mepraia genus have been reported inhabiting islands of northern Chile. The presence of individuals of Mepraia in insular areas might be explained through passive dispersion by marine birds or by vicariance of an ancestral widespread population. To clarify the biogeographic origin and phylogenetic relationships of island individuals of Mepraia, mitochondrial COI and cyt b g

SUBMITTER: Campos-Soto R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7289421 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature