A study of the scutellum in eight Chagas disease vector species from genus Triatoma (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) using optical and scanning electron microscopy

Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Marcos Takashi Obara²  João Aristeu Da Rosa¹  Walter Ceretti Jr²  Paulo Roberto Urbinatti²  Lisardo Osório Quintero¹  José Maria Soares Barata²  Cleber Galvão¹  José Jurberg¹ 

[1] ,USP Faculdade de Saúde Pública Departamento de EpidemiologiaSão Paulo SP ,Brasil

关键词: scutellum;    optical microscopy;    scanning electron microscopy;    Triatominae;    Chagas disease;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0074-02762007005000027

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The aim of this study was to analyze the external morphology of the scutellum through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in male specimens of Triatoma costalimai, T. delpontei, T. eratyrusiformis, T. matogrossensis, T. infestans melanosoma, T. sherlocki, T. tibiamaculata, and T. vandae. A total of 30 photographs of the scutellum were made. Magnification varied from 50X to 750X. Regarding depth and forms of the central depression, the heart-shaped form was predominant, with some exceptions, so that this shape appears to be a common characteristic for species of genus Triatoma Laporte, 1832. In T. eratyrusiformis, a kind of sensillum with important taxonomic value was observed. The different sizes and shapes of the designs found on the posterior process of the scutellum were also of important taxonomic interest. The study of the scutellum based on SEM showed valuable characteristics, allowing the use of this structure to aid the diagnosis of triatomine species. Thus, more specimens in subsequent studies and analyses of morphometric parameters should contribute to agreement on phylogenetic aspects in this genus. A Key to eight species of Triatoma based on male scutellar morphology is presented.

【 授权许可】

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