ZooKeys

A new species of the genusTriatomaLaporte, 1832 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) is described based on specimens collected in the department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala.Triatomahuehuetenanguensissp. n.is closely related toT.dimidiata(Latreille, 1811), with the following main morphological differences: lighter color; smaller overall size, including head length; and width and length of the pronotum. NaturalTrypanosomacruzi(Chagas, 1909) infection, coupled with its presence in domestic habitats, makes this species a potentially important vector ofTrypanosomacruziin Guatemala.

In this paper,Triatomamopansp. n.is described based on five males and six females collected in the Rio Frio cave, Cayo District, Belize. This species is similar toTriatomadimidiata(Latreille), but can be distinguished by characters found on the pronotum, legs, and abdomen. Geometric morphometry and phylogenetic comparisons are also provided. Presently, the species is known only from the type locality and is a potential Chagas vector.

In the subfamily Triatominae, Triatoma exhibits the largest number of species, which are arranged in complexes. For the T.brasiliensis species complex, recent investigations based on results of geometric morphometrics combined with phylogeny have provided evidence that it should be composed of seven species: T.brasiliensis, T.bahiensis, T.juazeirensis, T.lenti, T.melanica, T.petrocchiae, and T.sherlocki, in which T.brasiliensis is divided in two subspecies: T.b.brasiliensis and T.b.macromelasoma. A taxonomic key is presented to identify each taxon. Among members of this complex, T.b.brasiliensis is the most important in an epidemiologic context, due to its high prevalence in natural infection by Trypanosomacruzi combined with a pronounced adaptation to domiciliary habitats. However, some members may be currently invading and colonizing homes, a process known as domiciliation. Therefore, the key presented here may be potentially useful for researchers as well as those involved in vector control measures.