Cryptic diversity in sympatric Migonemyia migonei (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), eventual meaning for leishmaniasis transmission

Abstract Migonemyia migonei (Franҫa 1920) is a Phlebotominae of epidemiological importance due to its role as a vector in leishmaniasis transmission cycles and its broad geographic distribution in South America. A few morphometric and genetic studies have demonstrated the existence of variability between geographically distant populations in Brazil. The aim of the study was the estimation of the genetic distance in the morphospecies Mg. migonei through the analysis of Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of specimens captured in Argentina and those available in online databases. COI sequences from specimens collected in different localities of Argentina and sequences available in online databases were used. Genetic distances were analyzed and a median-joining haplotype network constructed. Finally, a phylogenetic reconstruction was done according to Bayesian inference. The analyses allowed the identification of at least two haplogroups: haplogroup I with sequences of specimens from Colombia, Brazil and Argentina and haplogroup II with sequences of specimens from Argentina. Interestingly, specimens from Argentina whose haplotypes corresponded to both haplogroups were collected in sympatry. The results suggest that Mg. migonei could be a species complex with at least two distinct members. This hypothesis would explain the known characteristics of adaptability and vector permissiveness of the species, as the putative cryptic species of the complex could differ in traits of epidemiological importance.