Phenotypic variability in traits related to flight dispersal in the wing dimorphic species Triatoma guasayana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Triatoma guasayana is considered an emerging vector of Chagas disease in the Southern Cone of South America. The presence of a triatomine population with brachypterous individuals, in which both wings are reduced, has recently been reported for this species. The aim of the present study was to determine if flight-related traits varied across populations, if these traits could explain differences in flight capacity across populations and if flight-related traits are associated with geographic and/or climatic variation.

Methods

The study involved 66 male T. guasayana specimens from 10 triatomine populations. Digital images of wing, head and pronotum were used to estimate linear and geometric morphometric variables. Variations in size and shape were analysed using on

SUBMITTER: Gigena GV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9830765 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature