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24 April 2023 Species-specific differences in the egg exochorium of the sympatric taxa Triatoma costalimai and Triatoma jatai (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)
Josiane Nogueira Müller, Simone Patrícia Carneiro Freitas, Simone Caldas Teves, Jacenir Reis Santos-Mallet, Catarina Macedo Lopes, Teresa Cristina Monte Gonçalves
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Abstract

Triatoma costalimai and Triatoma jatai are related species, which occur in sympatry in Paranã,Tocantins, Brazil, in rocky outcrops and in peridomicile and intradomicile environments. This study compared morphologic and morphometric aspects of the eggs of these species using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Operculum cells (OP) and egg body (EB) were drawn and photographed, their surfaces were measured, and spots were quantified. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and t-tests. OM showed an egg exochorium with spots in T. costalimai and a predominance of short lines in T. jatai. We found significant differences in egg length and width, which were larger in T. costalimai. SEM analysis showed that the operculum of both species had cells with straight and/or rounded rims, with a smooth aspect, random spots, and predominantly pentagonal shape. In the EB, hexagonal cells were predominant, with indices exceeding 60% in both species. Triatoma costalimai cells were flat, with a discrete definition of the rims, whereas T. jatai cells were smooth with well-defined rims. Statistical tests showed significant differences for EB, where T. costalimai cells were larger and have more spots than T. jatai. The eggs can thus be differentiated, thereby contributing to integrative taxonomy.

Josiane Nogueira Müller, Simone Patrícia Carneiro Freitas, Simone Caldas Teves, Jacenir Reis Santos-Mallet, Catarina Macedo Lopes, and Teresa Cristina Monte Gonçalves "Species-specific differences in the egg exochorium of the sympatric taxa Triatoma costalimai and Triatoma jatai (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)," Journal of Medical Entomology 60(4), 680-689, (24 April 2023). https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjad032
Received: 10 October 2022; Accepted: 18 April 2023; Published: 24 April 2023
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KEYWORDS
morphometry
scanning electron microscopy
taxonomy
triatomine
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