What is it about?
In this article we try to understand the mechanism underlying the geographic distribution pattern of seven species of triatomines, Chagas' disease vectors. Temperature is the main abiotic factors that determine the distribution of insect´s species. Thus, we measured and analyzed the physiological limits of these seven species, in particular, their thermo-tolerances. Spatial distribution models were used, and they were related to their thermal tolerances in order to explained their distribution by their thermal tolerance mechanisms
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Why is it important?
We showed that Chagas´disease vectors are geographically distributed on Latin America, in part, due to their tolerances to temperature. Species with the highest tolerance range (range between upper and lower thermal tolerances) reach higher latitudes, mainly due to differences in their tolerances to cold. In relation to the tolerances to high temperatures, species showed similar values, and higher than the maximum ambient temperatures. Understanding the latitudinal range along its physiological limits of disease vectors may prove useful to test ecological hypotheses, and it would improve strategies and efficiency of vector control at local and regional levels.
Perspectives
I think that, although difficult, it is important to try to understand the causality of ecological patterns. In other words, try to understand the mechanisms underlying the processes that generate macroecological patterns.I think that although difficult it is important to try to understand the causality of ecological patterns. In other words, trying to understand the mechanisms underlying the processes.
Dr. Pablo E. Schilman
Universidad de Buenos Aires
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This page is a summary of: Ecological and physiological thermal niches to understand distribution of Chagas disease vectors in Latin America, Medical and Veterinary Entomology, August 2017, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/mve.12262.
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