Volatile compound diversity and conserved alarm behaviour in Triatoma dimidiata

• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0678-8
• Publication Date: 2015-02-05T10:51:11Z
• Authors: Irving May-Concha; Julio C Rojas; Leopoldo Cruz-López; Carlos N Ibarra-C...; Janine M Ramsey
• Keywords: Triatominae; Entomology

Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille) is a key vector complex of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiologic agent Chagas disease, as it spans North, Central, and South America. Although morphological genetic studies clearly indicate existence at least five clades within the species, there has been no robust or systematic revision, appropriate nomenclature change for species complex. Three (haplogroups) are distributed in Mexico, recent evidence attests to dispersal across previously "presumed" monotypic geographic regions. Evidence niche conservatism among sister this suggests that possible non-sympatric populations, although information available on behavioural aspects potential interclade interactions, instance whether differentiation chemical signaling response these signals could impede communication haplogroups. Volatiles emitted by disturbed bugs, Brindley's (BGs), metasternal (MGs) glands were identified using solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Volatile compounds BGs MGs, those secreted nymphs adults, three Mexican T. haplogroups tested avoidance behaviour conspecific adults an olfactometer. all have age-related alarm responses: absence early stage nymphs, stage-specific 4-5th shared nymph adult compounds. Disturbed bugs released 15 24 depending haplogroup, which pyrazines, first report organoleptics Triatominae. Isobutyric acid from was most abundant molecule haplogroups, addition (h1) 21 (h2 h3) MG Avoidance volatiles haplogroup specific, while not. Discriminant cluster analysis BG + significant separation similar between h2 h3, both distinct h1. This latter ancestral phylogenetically other two. Our results suggest responses conserved