Relationship between genetic diversity and morpho-functional characteristics of flight-related traits in Triatoma garciabesi (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract

Triatoma garciabesi, a potential vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is prevalent in peridomestic and wild environments across northwest and central Argentina, western Paraguay, and the Bolivian Chaco. Understanding genetic differentiation across its range aids in elucidating dispersal patterns and habitat connectivity. Flight is considered the primary dispersal strategy for triatomines, with the morphological structure of the hemelytra associated with this function. This study aimed to assess genetic diversity, morphological variation of dispersal-related traits, and their potential role in shaping the current distribution of genetic lineages in T. garciabesi. Males from 24 populations were analyzed using cytochrome c oxidase I gene for genetic diversity and geometric morphometric methods for hemelytra analysis. Results revealed two distinct lineages, Eastern and Western, corresponding to different ecological regions. The Eastern lineage was exclusive to eastern Argentina (Chaco and Formosa provinces), while the Western lineage predominated elsewhere. Hemelytra characteristics differed between lineages, with the Eastern lineage exhibiting a more developed stiff portion of the forewing. Significant differences in the shape of the head, pronotum, and both portions of the hemelytra were observed between lineages. This study enhances our understanding of T. garciabesi population structure and dispersal mechanisms, providing valuable insights for Chagas disease control strategies.