Enzyme polymorphism in Rhodnius prolixus and R. pallescens
(Hemiptera, Reduviidae), principal vectors of Chagas' disease in
Colombia, was analyzed using starch gel electrophoresis. Three
geographic locations were sampled in order to determine gene flow
between populations and to characterize intra- and interspecific
differences. Of 25 enzymes assayed 10 were successfully resolved
and then used to score the genetic variation. The enzymes PEPD,
GPI, PGM and ICD were useful to differentiate these species and
PGD, PGM and MDH distinguished between sylvatic and domiciliary
populations of R. prolixus. Both polymorphism and heterozygosity
indicated greater genetic variability in sylvatic habitats (H=
0.021) compared to domiciliary habitats (H=0.006) in both
species. Geneflow between sylvatic and domiciliary populations
in R. prolixus was found to be minimal. This fact and the genetic
distance between them suggest a process of genetic isolation in
the domiciliary population.
