The development of Panstrongylus herreri under fluctuating environmental conditions

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2017 Jan-Feb;50(1):121-125. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0250-2016.

Abstract

Introduction: Panstrongylus herreri is a main Chagas disease vector, and its success as a vector stems from its ability to establish domiciliated colonies; we aimed to explore its biology and reproduction.

Methods: The average amount of blood ingested and the time from the beginning of a blood meal to the production of feces were recorded.

Results: Females exhibited a higher blood ingestion rate than males, but similar defecation times and frequencies were observed.

Conclusions: Despite the detected decrease in oviposition rates, P. herreri's potential as a Chagas disease vector in environments other than the Amazon forest cannot be discounted.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chagas Disease / transmission
  • Defecation / physiology*
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Female
  • Insect Vectors / physiology*
  • Male
  • Panstrongylus / physiology*
  • Reproduction / physiology*
  • Sex Factors