Description of anomalies in sand flies of the genus Sciopemyia (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)

Abstract

The taxonomy of sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) is based on morphological and morphometric characters, for which anomalies have already been reported. These can occur in different structures, such as antennae, palps, legs, wings, and the genitalia of both sexes. Therefore, given the importance of this group of insects in public health, it is necessary to describe them, avoiding errors in identification, description of the new species, or reports of distribution of erroneous forms. Thus, the present study describes different types of morphological anomalies detected in species of the genus Sciopemyia. Specimens deposited in biological collections and originating from field collections in different Brazilian states were analyzed. In total, 16 specimens of the genus (15 males and 1 female) with some type of anomaly were detected. The researchers in the group should be aware of these morphological variations, document them, and deposit these anomalous specimens in biological collections for consultation and future taxonomic studies.The taxonomy of sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) is based on morphological and morphometric characters, where anomalies have already been reported. These can occur in different structures, such as antennae, palps, legs, wings, and the genitalia of both sexes. Therefore, given the importance of this group of insects in public health, it is necessary to describe them, avoiding errors in identification, description, or reports of distribution of erroneous forms. Thus, the present study describes different types of morphological anomalies detected in species of the genus Sciopemyia. Specimens deposited in biological collections and originating from field collections in different Brazilian states were analyzed. In total, 16 specimens of the genus (15 males and 1 female) with some type of anomaly were detected. The researchers in the group should be aware of these morphological variations, document them, and deposit these anomalous specimens in biological collections for consultation and future taxonomic studies.    &nbsp