Resistance to Starvation of Triatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer, 1773) under Laboratory Conditions (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

Abstract

The present work aims at learning the period of resistance to starvation (molting/death)

Biological attributes of the kissing bug Triatoma rubrofasciata from Vietnam

“…Our results on resistance to starvation (Fig. 5) show that the specimens from Vietnam have a greater fasting capacity than Brazilian specimens [41]. However, this comparison should be considered with caution since the breeding conditions, especially the food sources, were different (chickens in Vietnam and rats in Brazil).…”

Metabolites as predictive biomarkers for Trypanosoma cruzi exposure in triatomine bugs

“…In the future we will place more emphasis on increased numbers of observations, over longer time frames as the complete digestion of a blood meal takes 12–14 days in adult R. prolixus . Afterwards, the insects are able to withstand prolonged periods of starvation resulting in the loss of the blood-induced increased microbial diversity in the intestinal tract [42] , [43] , [44] . By using longer time frames, we might be able to see metabolic changes in exposed (and infected) triatomines without the interfering effects of blood uptake.…”

Accidental importation of the vector of Chagas disease, Triatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer, 1773) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), in Europe

“…We consulted several companies specializing in trade and transport from China to Europe, and they offered estimated transport times of 20-50 days by sea and two to eight days by air from China to Spain. According to Rojas-Cortéz and Gonçalves (1998), T. rubrofasciata shows a starvation resistance period of seven to 172 days, with the 4 th and 5 th instars being the most resistant. Therefore, although we only found a dead bug, there could be a real risk of importation of live specimens of T. rubrofasciata from China to Europe through international trade.…”

“…Therefore, although we only found a dead bug, there could be a real risk of importation of live specimens of T. rubrofasciata from China to Europe through international trade. As adults can survive between 25 and 67 days (Rojas-Cortéz and Gonçalves 1998), if a gravid female arrived in Europe it could establish a new population there, as it has in other regions of the world. The suitability model of Eberhard et al (2020) assigns a low climatic suitability of T. rubrofasciata for the Spanish Mediterranean area but a medium value for the Atlantic Iberia.…”