title: Taxonomy and phenotypic relationships of the Anastrepha fraterculus complex in the Mesoamerican and Pacific Neotropical dominions (Diptera, Tephritidae).
abstract: Previous morphometric studies based on linear measurements of female structures of the aculeus, mesonotum, and wing revealed the existence of seven morphotypes within the Anastrepha fraterculus cryptic species complex along the Neotropical Region. The current research followed linear and geometric morphometric approaches in 40 population samples of the nominal species Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) spread throughout the Meso-American and Pacific Neotropical dominions (including Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). The goals were to explore the phenotypic relationships of the morphotypes in these biogeographical areas; evaluate the reliability of procedures used for delimitation of morphotypes; and describe their current distribution. Findings determined that morphotypes previously recognized via the linear morphometrics were also supported by geometric morphometrics of the wing shape. In addition, we found an eighth morphotype inhabiting the highlands of Ecuador and Peru. Morphotypes are related into three natural phenotypic groups nominated as Mesoamerican-Caribbean lineage, Andean lineage, and Brazilian lineage. The hypothesis that lineages are not directly related to each other is discussed, supported by their large morphological divergence and endemicity in these three well-defined biogeographic areas. In addition, this hypothesis of the non-monophyly of the Anastrepha fraterculus complex is also supported by evidence from other authors based on molecular studies and the strong reproductive isolation between morphs from different lineages.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Interacciones Multitróficas. Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya CP 91070. Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
authors.forename: Vicente
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hernández-Ortiz
authors.affiliation: Universidad del Tolima, Facultad de Ingeniería Agronómica. Barrio Santa Helena parte alta, CP 730006299, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia.
authors.forename: Nelson A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Canal
authors.affiliation: Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (ESPE), Departamento Ciencias de la Vida, Ingeniería Agropecuaria. Campus Politécnico Av. Gral. Rumiñahui s/n, PO Box 171-5- 231B, Sangolquí, Ecuador.
authors.forename: Juan O Tigrero
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Salas
authors.affiliation: Universidad del Tolima, Facultad de Ingeniería Agronómica. Barrio Santa Helena parte alta, CP 730006299, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia.
authors.forename: Freddy M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Ruíz-Hurtado
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Interacciones Multitróficas. Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya CP 91070. Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
authors.forename: José F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Dzul-Cauich
keywords: Cryptic species complex; distribution; geometric morphometrics; linear morphometrics