CRYPTIC SPECIATION IN TRIATOMA-SORDIDA (HEMIPTERA, REDUVIIDAE) FROM THE BOLIVIAN CHACO

Eight natural Bolivian populations of two closely related species of T riatominae, Triatoma sordida and T. guasuyana, were analysed by multil ocus enzyme electrophoresis at 20 loci. Both species were readily sepa rated and no natural hybrid was observed. Among the silvatic sample of T. sordida, strong departure from panmixia within and between loci wa s detected in two sites of the Chaco, suggesting two reproductively se parate populations easily recognized at Idh2 and Mdh2 loci. Genetic di stance between them was in agreement with the hypothesis of distinct s pecies. However, the detection of 3% of putative hybrids suggested a r ecent evolutionary divergence.