Morphofunctional characteristics of flight-related traits in deltamethrin-resistant and susceptible Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) of the Argentinean Chaco

Our study shows that pyrethroid resistance in T. infestans is linked to morphological changes in flight-related traits. These changes suggest a tradeoff between resistance and flight capacity, with energy allocated to resistance mechanisms potentially limiting flight. The reduced covariation between flight traits in resistant individuals supports the idea of pleiotropic effects. While resistant individuals may perform better in insecticide treated areas, their reduced flight capacity could limit long-distance dispersal, affecting population dynamics and vector control efforts.