Morphometric differentiation between two geographic populations of Triatoma infestans in Uruguay

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Metric characters have never been applied in quantitative studies on Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease in the seven southernmost countries of Latin America. A first study was carried out in Uruguay, clearly differentiating two geographical populations of T. infestans, one from the northern Department of Rivera, the other from the southern Department of Soriano. Metric differences were also shown between administrative sections within each Department, more so in the southern region, and did not disappear after one generation in two FI offspring, even when these were removed from their natural environment.