C-heterochromatin polymorphism in holocentric chromosomes of <i>Triatoma infestans</i> (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract

This is the first report of intraspecific variation of C-bands in Heteroptera, described in natural populations of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), the main vector of Chagas disease in Uruguay. Marked variation in number, position, and size of C-heterochromatic bands was found in the three large autosomal pairs. A geographical pattern of this chromosomal polymorphism was observed. Evolutionary importance and epidemiological relevance are discussed.Key words: Triatoma infestans, cytogenetics, C-band polymorphism, holocentric chromosomes, Chagas disease.