ABSTRACT
Background: Three triatomine species, Triatoma infestans, Mepraia spinolai and Mepraia gajardoi, are vectors for Chagas disease in Chile. Aim: To compare the alimentary profile of Mepraia spinolai, the Chilean wild vector of Chagas disease, with that of the several other triatomines. Material and methods: The alimentary profile of Mepraia spinolai was compared with that of other triatomines using cluster analysis (Q and R techniques) with the Jaccard index. Results: Three basic groups of triatomines were identified: domestic, wild and specialists, such as P. coreodes and C. pilosa. Our wild vector M. spinolai was in an intermediate position between wild and domestic clusters, grouping with T. rubrovaria, T. sordida and P. megistus. The feeding sources, animals of the domestic and peri-domestic habitat and wild animals, corresponded to the clusters of the two groups. Conclusions: Mepraia spinolai, being a preponderantly wild species, approaches human dwellings and obtains food from domestic animals and eventually, from human blood