6533b82dfe1ef96bd1291233

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Classification and Phylogeny of the Triatominae

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Publisher Summary Perhaps the greatest challenge for the classification of Triatominae is the lack of a unifying concept of species. To discuss some of the conflicts that arise from applying modern concepts to traditional classification, and to highlight some recurrent practices regarding the systematics of the subfamily, this chapter develops this discussion in parallel with the traditional and modern concepts of species. In understanding biodiversity, one must understand that taxonomy and systematics work together, although the two terms are often confused. Divergence between the modern concepts of systematics starts at the definition given to the taxa they wish to analyze: single individuals, reproductively isolated populations, populations, or agglomerations of populations. In the case of the Triatominae, these problems are also evident from the epidemiological requirement and the increasing wealth of data offering new insights to their evolution. These problems are compounded by evidence that the Triatominae represent a polyphyletic group—yet it would make no epidemiological sense to try to reclassify them in that light—and also by their evident capacity for phenetic drift that can give rise to morphological and morphometric variants that tempt yet more specific designations. Other problems arise from the lack of clear consensus on taxonomic concepts. Not only is the subfamily itself poorly defined, such that some predatory Reduviidae have been erroneously described as Triatominae, but there is no consistent concept of features meriting tribal or generic rank, and there is considerable divergence on concepts of species, subspecies, and species complexes. This chapter summarizes the current classification and offers ways in which these concepts might be usefully reviewed.