Biosystematics of Old World Triatominae

Abstract

Morphometric analysis of Old World species of Linshcosteus and Triatoma showed the two genera to be well separated. However, although the analysis showed clear distinction between the five species of Linshcosteus, there was considerable overlap between the eight Old World species of Triatoma, including specimens of T. rubrofasciata from Old and New World populations. The results are interpreted as supporting the idea of a New World origin for the Old World species of Triatoma, with an independent Old World origin for Linshcosteus.