An updated and illustrated dichotomous key for the Chagas disease vectors of Triatoma brasiliensis species complex and their epidemiologic importance

Abstract

In the subfamily Triatominae, <i>Triatoma</i> exhibits the largest number of species, which are arranged in complexes. For the <i>T.brasiliensis</i> species complex, recent investigations based on results of geometric morphometrics combined with phylogeny have provided evidence that it should be composed of seven species: <i>T.brasiliensis, T.bahiensis</i>, <i>T.juazeirensis</i>, <i>T.lenti, T.melanica</i>, <i>T.petrocchiae</i>, and <i>T.sherlocki</i>, in which <i>T.brasiliensis</i> is divided in two subspecies: <i>T.b.brasiliensis</i> and <i>T.b.macromelasoma</i>. A taxonomic key is presented to identify each taxon. Among members of this complex, <i>T.b.brasiliensis</i> is the most important in an epidemiologic context, due to its high prevalence in natural infection by <i>Trypanosomacruzi</i> combined with a pronounced adaptation to domiciliary habitats. However, some members may be currently invading and colonizing homes, a process known as domiciliation. Therefore, the key presented here may be potentially useful for researchers as well as those involved in vector control measures.