Intraspecific variation in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the sandfly Phlebotomus perfiliewi from Italy

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Abstract
The cuticular hydrocarbons of Phlebotomus perfiliewi Parrot from representative localities on both sides of Italy show contrasts which support the view of Ward et al. (1981) that are distinguishable populations of this sandfly on the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts. It is suggested that the Appennine mountains form a barrier between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian populations. A third distinct hydrocarbon type of P. perfiliewi was detected in Calabria, southern Italy, where contact between the Adriatic and Thyrrhenian types of flies is most likely to occur. P. perfiliewi from a trans-Appennine pass were also of the Calabrain hydrocarbon type. These hydrocarbon contrasts between allopatric populations of P. perfiliewi may result from clinal variation across the Appennines, associated with different host preferences, or they may represent apomictic populations with differential mate recognition systems.