The distribution of two morphological forms of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva) (Diptera: Psychodidae)

• Main Author: Ward,R. D.
• Publication Date: 1985
• Other Authors: Ribeiro,A. L., Ryan,L., Falcão,A. L., Rangel,E. F.
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
• Download full: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0074-02761985000200004

The males of the sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis occur in two forms, one which bears a single pair of pale spots on tergite 4 and another in which an additional pair of spots characterizes tergite 3. Almost complete reproductive isolation between sumpatric populations of the two forms and between allopatric populations of the one-spot form has been reported (Ward et al., 1983). Micromorphological differences in cuticular structures on the spots have also been observed and may be sites of pheromone release (Lane & Ward, 1984). Detais of the known distribution of the two are based on the examination of new specimens captured in Brazil during 1982, as well as museum collections and specimens from other laboratories. Males with a single pair of pale spots have been found from Mexico to southern Brazil, whilst the two-spot form is found only from the state of Maranhão in North Brazil to Minas Gerais and the border with Paraguay. In the eastern area of Brazil the two forms occur sympatrically in some locations and separately in others.