Genetic polymorphism of morphological and biochemical characters in a Natal, Brazil, population of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae).

The phlebotomine sand fly, Lutzomyia longipalpis, is the vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the New World. Variability in its tergal spot morphology has led to conflicting interpretations of the species status of the various forms. An L. longipalpis field population from eastern Brazil was found with three co-occurring morphological variations--1-spot, 2-spot, and an intermediate form. Genetic profiles were established for each form. Fifteen isoenzyme loci provided the data matrix for comparison of genetic variation among the forms. Spot patterns and isoenzyme frequencies fit Hardy-Weinberg expectations, and no significant differences in isoenzyme frequencies were associated with morphological phenotype. The spot phenotype appears to be a polymorphic character not related to genetic isolation or differentiation at the species level.