Morphometric changes of Triatoma flavida Neiva, 1911 (Hemiptera:Triatominae) in the transition from sylvatic to laboratory conditions.
The one-generational metric changes occurring in Triatoma flavida (Hemiptera: Triatominae) when carried from its wild habitat (caves) to laboratory, were examined using traditional morphometric techniques. As for other species of Triatoma, Rhodnius or Panstrongylus studied in similar conditions, a significant reduction of head, thorax and wing size was observed. Sexual dimorphism of the wings, while present in the wild sample, was not detected anymore in the laboratory individuals. Biological significance and epidemiological importance are discussed.
Rodríguez Rodríguez
Jinnay
J
Departamento de Control de Vectores, Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí, Ciudad Habana, Cuba.
Fuentes González
Omar
O
Nodarse
Jorge Fraga
JF
Monzote Fidalgo
Lianet
L
Dujardin
Jean-Pierre
JP
D000818:Animals; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000235:genetics; D007753:Laboratories; D008297:Male; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D014224:Triatoma / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000235:genetics