Life History Data of Dipetalogaster maxima (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Issue 5 (23rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meraz-Medina, T; Nogueda-Torres, B; Martínez-Ibarra, J A
• Editors: Hamer, Gabriel
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical entomology. Volume 59:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1519
• Page End: 1524
• Publication Date: 2022-07-23
• Subjects: biology -- Chagas disease -- Mexico -- triatomine; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.968
• DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2585

Abstract

Abstract: Dipetalogaster maxima (Uhler) is a triatomine species that has been found to be infected by Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas in the habitats of the most important tourist areas of Mexico. Its behavior and vectorial capacity have been scarcely studied, although such information is necessary to reliably estimate the importance of this species as a vector of T . cruzi in its distribution area. This study reports biological parameters related to the vectorial capacity of D . maxima . In particular, the egg-to-adult development time, number of blood meals required to molt, accumulative mortality, time to beginning of feeding, feeding and defecation times, fecundity, and fertility were examined. D. maxima took a median of 211 d to develop from egg to adult, requiring 11 meals in total. Almost two-thirds (63%) of specimens died during the cycle. The time to beginning of feeding was 1 min in all instars. Feeding times varied from 14 to 27 min. Most nymphs (except first-instar) defecated when feeding or immediately thereafter. A mean of 0.7 eggs/♀/day was recorded, with an eclosion rate of 27.3%. Five of the eight studied parameters (mainly defecation delay) suggest the remarkable potential vectorial capacity of D . maxima, so it is necessary to maintain permanent surveillance of domiciliary populations of D . maxima, because they may be infected with T . cruzi . Abstract : The importance of studying the biological and behavioral parameters of regional or even local populations of key triatomines is highlighted. Most studied parameters lead to considered to the Dipetalogaster maxima as an efficient vector of Trypanosoma cruzi . This potential efficiency indicates the need to maintain permanent surveillance of the domiciliary populations of D. maxima . Graphical Abstract: