Morphological differentiation between seven Brazilian populations of Haemagogus capricornii and Hg. janthinomys (Diptera: Culicidae) using geometric morphometry of the wings

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Haemagogus capricornii and Hg. janthinomys females are considered morphologically indistinguishable. We analyzed morphometric variability between Brazilian populations of these species using wing geometric morphometry.

METHODS:

Size and shape at intra- and interspecific levels were analyzed in 108 Hg. capricornii and Hg. janthinomys females.

RESULTS:

Geometric morphometry indicated size and shape variables can differentiate these species at interspecific level. However, at intraspecific level, results show relative differentiation. Two populations of Hg. capricornii had a smaller centroid size with no significant differences between them, whereas all Hg. janthinomys populations showed significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both species were correctly identified by geometric morphometry.

Keywords:
Haemagogus capricornii; Haemagogus janthinomys; Culicidae; Geometric morphometry; Brazil