Biogeography of triatominae (Hemiptera : Reduviidae) in Ecuador: Implications for the design of control strategies

Chagas disease control strategies strongly depend on the triatomine vector species involved in Trypanosoma cruzi transmission within each area. Here w e report the results of the identification of specimens belonging to variou s species of Triatominae captured in Ecuador (15 species from 17 provinces) and deposited in the entomological collections of the Catholic University of Ecuador (Quito), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Brazil), the Natural History Mu seum London (UK), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK), the National Institute of Hygiene (Quito), and the Vozandes Hospital (Quito ). A critical review of published information and new field records are pre sented. We analysed these data in relation in the life zones where triatomi nes occur (11 life ones, excluding those over 2,200 m altitude), and provid e biogeographical maps for each species. These records are discussed in ter ms of epidemiological significance and design of control strategies. Findin gs relevant to the control of the main vector species are emphasised. Diffe rent lines of evidence suggest that Triatoma dimidiata is not native to Ecu ador-Peru, and that synanthropic populations of Rhodnius ecuadoriensis in s outhern Ecuador-northen Peru might be isolated from their sylvatic conspeci fics. Local eradication of T. dimidiata and these R. ecuadoriensis populati ons might therefore be attainable. However, the presence of a wide variety of native species indicates the necessity for a strong longitudinal surveil lance system.