Nucleotide sequences of mitocondrial 16S rDNA gene were analyzed in 14 populations of triatomine bugs from colonies maintained by SESA, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil, comparing them with sequences of same gene found in the GenBank. The fragments varied from 311 to 317 bp, with low intra-specific genetic distance (0% to 0.6%), with exception of the relationship among Triatoma sordida specimens (1%) and T. brasiliensis specimens (1.3%) that were attributed to different geographical populations. The paraphily of Rhodniini and Panstrongylus genus was evidenced by this analyses, confirming previous results between these and the narrow relationships of R. prolixus with R. robustus and of T. infestans with T. platensis. The relationship between T. maculata and T. pseudomaculata has not been resolved, since these taxa appeared both in monophyly and as in paraphyly: T. pseudomaculata (SESA) is grouped with T. maculata (sequence of GenBank) and the associated T. brasiliensis (SESA), while T. maculata (SESA) appears grouped with T. pseudomaculata of SESA and GenBank. The results evidence the utility of the gene 16S as molecular marker in the species of triatomine bugs and its importance in systematic and taxonomy questions. There is a necessity of new studies including new molecular markers associated with classic systematic characters of morphology, ecology and behavior to adjust systematic decisions since those will be not of only systematic impact but, for new strategies of control.
Triatominae; Chagas disease vectors; systematic; 16S rDNA
