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Genetic and phylogeographic structure of populations of Pulex simulans (Siphonaptera) in Peru inferred from two genes (CytB and CoII)

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Abstract

In this paper we discuss the potential usefulness of determining the phylogeographic and phylogenetic patterns of a vector for understanding the spread of pathogens or insecticide resistance. We do so using the example of Pulex simulans in Peru. Six populations from six different localities were investigated. Mitochondrial DNA sequences were obtained and branching patterns were inferred using phylogenetic reconstruction methods and nested clade analyses. Ten different haplotypes were discovered. Phylogenetic analysis revealed P. simulans in Peru as a monophyletic group, containing clades that were generally not geographically correlated. The data suggest that P. simulans is not a single genetic entity but rather that this species shows a high degree of intraspecific variation. Restricted gene flow with long distance dispersal coupled with range expansion and long distance colonization are likely to have contributed to the observed patterns of variation.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the Karl-Enigk-Foundation, Germany, and the NSF grant no. DEB 9983195 for support and Manuel Gonzales for the help obtaining the Salas specimen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 33, 04103, Leipzig, Germany

    Katharina Dittmar de la Cruz

  2. Department of Integrative Biology, Brigham Young University, 401 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602, USA

    Katharina Dittmar de la Cruz & Michael F. Whiting

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  1. Katharina Dittmar de la Cruz
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  2. Michael F. Whiting
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Correspondence to Katharina Dittmar de la Cruz.

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de la Cruz, K.D., Whiting, M.F. Genetic and phylogeographic structure of populations of Pulex simulans (Siphonaptera) in Peru inferred from two genes (CytB and CoII). Parasitol Res 91, 55–59 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-003-0879-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-003-0879-5

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