Comparison of feeding and defecation patterns between fifth-instar nymphs of Triatoma patagonica (Del Ponte, 1929) and Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1934) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Among the vectors of Chagas disease, Triatoma patagonica is a species in the process of adaptation to the human environment. However, its vector competence is not well known. This study had the aim of evaluating and comparing feeding and defecation patterns among fifth-instar nymphs of Triatoma patagonica and Triatoma infestans that were fed ad libitum. The results showed that nymphs of Triatoma patagonica had a feeding pattern similar to that of Triatoma infestans. Sixty nine percent and 58% of nymphs of Triatoma patagonica and Triatoma infestans, respectively, produced their first defecation within five minutes after being fed. Triatoma patagonica defecated during feeding, with an average time until first defecation that was shorter than that of Triatoma infestans (3.4 and 6.2 min, respectively). The nymphs of Triatoma patagonica were capable of defecating during or immediately after feeding.

Ecological patterns of blood-feeding by kissing-bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

“…1979, Crocco & Catalá 1996, Kollien & Schaub 1998, Zabala & D' Antonio 1988, Braga & Lima 1999, Aldana et al 2001, Emmanuelle-Machado et al 2002, Nattero et al. 2002, Almeida et al 2003, Arévalo et al 2007, Rodriguez et al 2008, Klotz et al 2009).…”

“…1979, Crocco & Catalá 1996, Kollien & Schaub 1998, Zabala & D' Antonio 1988, Braga & Lima 1999, Aldana et al 2001, Emmanuelle-Machado et al 2002, Nattero et al. 2002, Almeida et al 2003, Arévalo et al 2007, Rodriguez et al 2008, Klotz et al 2009).Studies have been conducted on the relationship between the impacts of the triatomine feeding process and demographic parameters (Davies 1990, Malo et al 1993, Emmanuelle-Machado et al 2002, mortality and fecundity (Goodchild 1955, Hays 1965, Regis 1977, Patterson 1979, Catalá de Montenegro 1989, Braga et al 1998, Braga & Lima 2001, Davey 2007, development time (Martinez-Ibarra et al 2003, Martinez-Ibarra & Novelo-López 2004, resistance to starvation (Gajardo Tobar 1952, Pellegrino 1952, Dias 1965, Pratt & Davey 1972, Costa & Paranhos Perondini 1973, Friend & Smith 1975, Costa et al 1987, Costa & Jurberg 1989, Gonçalves et al. 1989, Galvão et al 1996, Canavoso & Rubiolo 1998, Cortéz & Gonçalves 1998, Costa & Marchon-Silva 1998, Lorosa et al 1999, Cabello 2001, Moreira & Spata 2002, Gomes Dias-Lima & Sherlock 2002, mating frequency, mating speed and duration of copulation (Lima et al.…”

“…Such aspects include feeding preferences (Quintal & Polanco 1977), avoidance of excessive warming during feeding (Lazzari et al 2009), importance of nutritional status in flight initiation and dispersal (Lehane & Schofield 1982, Lehane et al 1992, Noireau & Dujardin 2001, Emmanuelle-Machado et al 2002, Ceballos et al 2005, avoidance of predators during feeding (Bodin et al 2009a, b), frequency and size of the blood intake (Maddrell 1963, Wood 1976, Montenegro & Pasina 1984, Maifrino et al 1986, Pietrokovsky et al 1996, Pereira et al 1998, control of meal size (Bennet-Clark 1963b) and the relationship between feeding and defecation patterns as well as other aspects of feeding with epidemiological importance (Wood 1951, Dias 1956, Zeledón et al 1970, 1977, Da Rocha e Silva et al 1979, Crocco & Catalá 1996, Kollien & Schaub 1998, Zabala & D' Antonio 1988, Braga & Lima 1999, Aldana et al 2001, Emmanuelle-Machado et al 2002, Nattero et al 2002, Almeida et al 2003, Arévalo et al 2007, Rodriguez et al 2008, Klotz et al 2009). …”

Biologia comparativa e comportamento alimentar de Rhodnius neglectus e Rhodnius robustus (Triatominae) sob condições de laboratório

“…Além da suscetibilidade aos parasitos, outras características dos triatomíneos como o comportamento alimentar (detecção da fonte alimentar, número de picadas, tempo de repasto, quantidade de sangue ingerido), e a frequência de dejeções também podem determinar a eficiência na transmissão do T. cruzi [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] …”

Molecular Epidemiology of Chagas Disease in the Wild Transmission Cycle: The Evaluation in the Sylvatic Vector Mepraia spinolai from an Endemic Area of Chile

“…7 This species presents a longer generation time compared with T. infestans and different feeding and defecation behavior. [8][9][10][11] Mepraia spinolai is often found in rocky sylvatic ecotopes associated with small rodents and rabbits and also in peridomestic ecotopes, such as henhouses and goat corrals. 12 Mepraia spinolai is endemic to Chile and distributed between the 22° and 33°S.…”