DIAGNOSIS BY RANDOM AMPLIFIED POLYMORPHIC DNA-POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION OF 4 CRYPTIC SPECIES-RELATED TO ANOPHELES (NYSSORHYNCHUS) ALBITARSIS (DIPTERA, CULICIDAE) FROM PARAGUAY, ARGENTINA, AND BRAZIL

Random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) analysis was applied to samples from widespread populations of the poo rly characterized Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) albitarsis Lynch-Arribalza ga species complex, and 4 genetically differentiated species were dist inguished A screen of 65 random decamer oligonucleotide primers identi fied 12 primers, which produced 19 reproducible species-specific genet ic markers and 4 markers common to 2 or more species. These markers we re correlated in nearly all individuals of each species throughout the ranges sampled, including populations as far apart as 2,500 km. Each individual analyzed tvas from a different isofemale progeny brood, wit h associated morphological specimens. These specimens will facilitate studies to relate these species to previously reported chromosomal and enzymatic variation as well as to their feeding behavior and potentia l as malaria vectors. We hypothesize that 3 of the species have recogn ized valid names: An. (Nys.) albitarsis Lynch-Arribalzaga, An. (Nys.) marajoara Galvao and Damasceno, and An. (Nys.) deaneorum Rosa-Freitas, whereas the 4th is undescribed.