Body shape and fluctuating asymmetry following different feeding sources and feeding time in a triatomine, Triatoma pallidipennis (Stål, 1892)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105199
• Publication Date: 2021-12-31T03:03:06Z
• Authors: Ana E. Gutiérrez-...; Raúl Badillo Montaño; Lorena González; Sandra M. Ospina-...; Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
• Keywords: Morphometrics; Sexual dimorphism; Fluctuating asymmetry; Triatoma

Even when an animal has a generalist diet, different food sources can impact its body shape and fluctuating asymmetry (a stress indicator; FA). To test this, we varied the source (mammalian, avian or defibrinated mammalian blood; control animals - ad libitum feeding) time of feeding (every 8 days, 45 days libitum) having Chagas triatomine vector, Triatoma pallidipennis (Stål, 1892), as study which presumable habits. This factorial design was applied since first instar until adulthood. As response variables, measured FA in adults both sexes, using two-dimensional geometric morphometrics protocol. The highest variance explained by diet (17%), followed sex nested within (12%). Males had less morphological differentiation than females: females with blood provided every differentiated more, while those that fed on differed less. Distances among averages component related to indicated greater distances between well two groups (feeding days), blood, days. These results indicate have significant effects shape, sexes. Thus, despite general habits, showed triatomines. may select for triatomines use mammal rather if they chance do so.