Spatial overlap of palm trees and triatomine distribution areas in Brazil

Trypanosoma cruzi transmission occurs in the sylvatic environment, requiring a profound understanding of the interaction between triatomines and their natural ecotopes. This study investigated the spatial association between four triatomine species (Rhodnius robustus, Rhodnius pictipes, Rhodnius neglectus, Rhodnius nasutus) and palm trees (Arecaceae) in Brazil. We employed analyses of ecological niche overlap (Schoener’s D Index), spatial correlation (Spearman), and an assessment of vector presence across palm richness strata.Two distinct ecological profiles were identified. R. robustus and R. pictipes exhibited a high dependence on diverse environments, with strong spatial correlations (up to 0.647) and a presence concentrated (up to 86.41%) in strata with high palm richness. Attalea aculeata and Mauritia flexuosa emerged as their primary ecotopes (D up to 0.9161). Conversely R. neglectus and R. nasutus showed greater plasticity, with weaker correlations and significant presence in low-richness areas. Notably, Copernicia prunifera was a highly specific ecotope for R. nasutus (D = 0.9106) in the Caatinga.The integration of findings on niche overlap, spatial correlation, and distribution by palm richness provides critical insights into vector dynamics and the persistence of the T. cruzi sylvatic cycle. This knowledge is fundamental for mapping risk areas and developing more effective surveillance and control strategies.