New report of Eratyrus cuspidatus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the State of Campeche, Mexico

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomine bugs are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. METHODS: Triatomine bugs were collected and identified following established protocols. In addition, infection with T. cruzi was detected by microscopic and molecular analysis. RESULTS: We captured an adult male specimen of the Eratyrus cuspidatus species that has not been reported in the state of Campeche. CONCLUSIONS: This finding provides new information on the distribution of E. cuspidatus in Mexico. However, more studies are needed to determine their epidemiological significance.

Poblaciones silvestres y domiciliadas de Triatoma Infestans en comunidades del municipio de Mecapaca próximas a la ciudad de La Paz / Wild and domiciled populations of Triatoma Infestans in communities of the municipality of Mecapaca next to the city of La Paz

OBJETIVO: determinar la presencia de Triatoma infestans y las características de sus poblaciones en algunas comunidades del Municipio de Mecapaca cercanas a la cuidad de La Paz. MÉTODOS: la búsqueda entomológica de Triatoma infestans con trampas cebo ratón en sitios silvestres y peridomiciliares o manuales dentro de domicilios, fue realizada en 11 zonas de 8 comunidades del Municipio de Mecapaca, determinando la altura sobre el nivel del mar y la ubicación geográfica de las mismas. Mediante claves dicotómicas según Lent y Wygodzinski se ha realizado la identificación morfológica de los especímenes capturados. Con la observación directa en microscopio óptico de las deyecciones de los especímenes y análisis molecular por PCR Multiplex se ha determinado la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi y las DTUs (Unidades Discretas de Tipificación). RESULTADOS: se encontraron sitios positivos para la presencia de T. infestan, siendo el Indice de Dispersión Entomológica de 50%. Del total de los especímenes capturados (N=103), 91 especímenes (88%) fueron individuos en fase ninfal y 12 individuos (12%) fueron adultos. Se caracterizó T. cruzi TcI y el índice tripano triatominico fue de 50% en individuos capturados en zona silvestre de Huayhuasi y de 16% en individuos capturados en zona peridomiciliar de Huajchilla distante solo a 20 km desde la ciudad de La Paz. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados han constatado presencia de poblaciones silvestres y domiciliadas de T. infestans en sitios silvestres y domiciliares de comunidades del Municipio de Mecapaca cercanas a la ciudad de La Paz. El hallazgo determinaría nuevos esquemas de distribución geográfica de poblaciones de T. infestans e infestación de hábitat humano.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the presence of Triatoma infestans and the characteristics of their populations in some communities of the Municipality of Mecapaca next to the city of La Paz. METHODS: The entomological search of Triatoma infestans with mouse bait traps in wild and peridomiciliary or manual sites within homes, was carried out in 11 areas of 8 communities of the Municipality of Mecapaca, determining the altitude above sea level and their geographical location. By means of dichotomous keys according to Lent and Wygodzinski, the morphological identification of the captured specimens has been carried out. With direct microscopic observation of specimen dejections and molecular analysis by Multiplex PCR, Trypanosoma cruzi infection and DTUs (Discrete Typification Units) have been determined. RESULTS: positive sites were found for the presence of T. infestan, with the Entomological Dispersion Index being 50%. Of the total of the specimens captured (N = 103), 91 specimens (88%) were individuals in the nymphal phase and 12 individuals (12%) were adults. T. cruzi TcI was characterized and the triatominic trypan index was 50% in individuals captured in the wild zone of Huayhuasi and 16% in individuals captured in the peridomiciliary area of Huajchilla, only 20 km away from the city of La Paz. CONCLUSIONS: the results have confirmed the presence of wild and domiciled populations of T. infestans in wild and domiciliary sites of communities of the Municipality of Mecapaca near the city of La Paz. The finding would determine new geographical distribution schemes of T. infestans populations and human habitat infestation.

Can body traits, other than wings, reflect the flight ability of Triatominae bugs?

Abstract: INTRODUCTION : Insects of the subfamily Triatominae are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi , the Chagas disease parasite, and their flying behavior has epidemiological importance. The flying capacity is strikingly different across and within Triatominae species, as well as between sexes or individuals. Many Triatoma infestans individuals have wings but no flying muscles. In other Triatominae species, no clear relationships were found between wing length and flying behavior. If wing presence or size is not reflective of the flying behavior, which other parts of the body could be considered as reliable markers of this important function? METHODS : The genus Mepraia has exceptional characteristics with invariably wingless females and wingless or winged males. We calculated the porous surface exposed to odorant molecules to estimate the olfactory capacity of Mepraia spinolai . The head shape and thorax size were estimated using the geometric morphometric approach and traditional morphometric techniques, respectively. RESULTS : Alary polymorphism in M. spinolai was significantly associated with consistent modification of the thorax size, head shape, and notable change in the estimated olfactory capacity. The macropterous individuals had a larger olfactory surface and thorax size and significantly different head shape compared to those of the micropterous individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that these structural changes could be associated with the flying potential of Triatominae. Thus, morphological attributes not found on wings could help determine the likely flying potential of the bugs.

Large-scale patterns in morphological diversity and species assemblages in Neotropical Triatominae (Heteroptera: Reduviidae)

We analysed the spatial variation in morphological diversity (MDiv) and species richness (SR) for 91 species of Neotropical Triatominae to determine the ecological relationships between SR and MDiv and to explore the roles that climate, productivity, environmental heterogeneity and the presence of biomes and rivers may play in the structuring of species assemblages. For each 110 km x 110 km-cell on a grid map of America, we determined the number of species (SR) and estimated the mean Gower index (MDiv) based on 12 morphological attributes. We performed bootstrapping analyses of species assemblages to identify whether those assemblages were more similar or dissimilar in their morphology than expected by chance. We applied a multi-model selection procedure and spatial explicit analyses to account for the association of diversity-environment relationships. MDiv and SR both showed a latitudinal gradient, although each peaked at different locations and were thus not strictly spatially congruent. SR decreased with temperature variability and MDiv increased with mean temperature, suggesting a predominant role for ambient energy in determining Triatominae diversity. Species that were more similar than expected by chance co-occurred near the limits of the Triatominae distribution in association with changes in environmental variables. Environmental filtering may underlie the structuring of species assemblages near their distributional limits.

Revalidation and redescription of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma Galvão, 1956 and an identification key for the Triatoma brasiliensis complex (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma is revalidated based on the results of previous multidisciplinary studies on the Triatoma brasiliensis complex, consisting of crossing experiments and morphological, biological, ecological and molecular analyses. These taxonomic tools showed the closest relationship between T. b. macromelasoma and Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis. T. b. macromelasoma is redescribed based on specimens collected in the type locality and specimens from a F1 colony. The complex now comprises T. b. brasiliensis, T. b. macromelasoma, Triatoma melanica, Triatoma juazeirensis and Triatoma sherlocki. An identification key for all members of the complex is presented. This detailed comparative study of the morphological features of T. b. macromelasoma and the remaining members of the complex corroborates results from multidisciplinary analyses, suggesting that the subspecific status is applicable. This subspecies can be distinguished by the following combination of features: a pronotum with 1+1 narrow brownish-yellow stripes on the submedian carinae, not attaining its apex, hemelytra with membrane cells darkened on the central portion and legs with an incomplete brownish-yellow ring on the apical half of the femora. Because the T. brasiliensis complex is of distinct epidemiological importance throughout its geographic distribution, a precise identification of its five members is important for monitoring and controlling actions against Chagas disease transmission.

A new species and karyotype variation in the bordering distribution of Mepraia spinolai (Porter) and Mepraia gajardoi Frías et al (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in chile and its parapatric model of speciation

In the present study, the morphology, color pattern, chromosomal complement and aspects of meiosis in natural populations at the borders of the distributions of Mepraia gajardoi Frías et al and Mepraia spinolai (Porter) are described. The males of these bordering populations are brachypterous or macropterous, while females are always micropterous. Morphological and cytogenetic data indicated that the populations that border the distributions of M. gajardoi and M. spinolai, belong to a different species of parapatric origin.

Clave pictórica de triatóminos (Hemiptera: Triatominae) de Venezuela / Pictorial key of triatomine bugs (Hemiptera: Triatominae) from Venezuela

Se actualiza el estatus taxonómico de las especies de triatóminos presentes en Venezuela, excluyéndose especies bajo sinonimia. Se presenta una clave nueva para el país basada en descripciones tomadas de revisiones sistemáticas recientes, y en material de colección. Se incluyen especies no señaladas en claves anteriores y nuevas especies descritas en el país

This article updates the taxonomic status of the triatomine species in Venezuela, excluding synonyms, using recent systematic revisions and museum specimens, including not previously recorded species in former keys and new species from Venezuela

Rhodnius zeledoni sp. nov. afim de Rhodnius paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles, 1977 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) / Rhodnius zeledoni sp. nov. afim de Rhodnius paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles, 1977 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

A new species of Rhodnius is described and illustrated from a male specimen from northeastern Brazil. The specimen was found died and dried. This species can be distinguished from its similar congener R. paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles by the greater size, the general aspect of the color of the body, by the uniform color of the legs, different proportions between the morphological structures of the head and the segments of the rostrum; also, in the male genitalia by the aspect of median process of pygophore, dorsal phallotheca plate and phallotheca process.

Uma nova espécie de Rhodnius é descrita e ilustrada baseada em um exemplar macho do nordeste brasileiro. O espécime foi encontrado morto e ressecado. Esta espécie pode ser separada da espécie afim, R. paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles, pelo seu maior tamanho, pelo aspecto geral de coloração do corpo, pela cor uniforme das pernas, pelas diferentes proporções entre as estruturas morfológicas da cabeça e dos segmentos do rostro; ainda, na genitália masculina, pelo aspecto do processo mediano do pigóforo, do falosoma e de seu processo.

Doença de Chagas e seus principais vetores no Brasil / Chagas disease and its main vectors in Brazil

Embora conhecida desde 1909, quando foi descrita pelo médico sanitarista Carlos Chagas, a doença de Chagas, também chamada de tripanossomíase americana, ainda apresenta grande importância em saúde pública no Brasil, ocorrendo principalmente no semi-árido nordestino. Está distribuída em todas as Américas, desde o sul dos Estados Unidos até a Argentina e o Chile (Rey, 2001)... Para melhor entendermos esses processos, é preciso que conheçamos um pouco mais a respeito da ecologia dos barbeiros, do modo de infecção desses insetos pelo protozoário causador da doença, o T. cruzi, e de como a sua transmissão ao homem ocorre.

Morphological study of the thorax of the five nymphal instars of Triatoma arthurneivai Lent & Martins (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

Foi feito estudo morfológico da face dorsal, ventral e lateral do tórax de ninfas de 1º, 2º, 3º, 4º e 5º estádios de Triatoma arthurneivai por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os cinco estádios ninfais podem ser reconhecidos pelos caracteres morfológicos observados no pronoto, mesonoto e metanoto. No 1º estádio nota-se ausência do colar, áreas glabras e tubérculos, que estão presentes no 2º estádio. No 3º estádio inicia-se a diferenciacão das aletas alares. No 4º estádio ocorre expansão das quatro aletas alares, que, no entanto, não alcancam o abdome. No 5º estádio as aletas alares anteriores praticamente recobrem as posteriores. Na face ventral dos cinco estádios ninfais percebe-se duas (1+1) aberturas das glândulas metasternais. As áreas de evaporacão das glândulas de Brindley localizam-se na mesopleura. Também foram observadas duas (1+1) áreas de evaporacão na propleura dos cinco estádios ninfais.

Adult and nymphs of Microtriatoma trinidadensis (Lent, 1951) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) caught from peridomestic environment in Bolivia

This is the first report of adult and nymphs (20 nymphs of all stages and 4 adults) of Microtriatoma trinidadensis (Lent 1951) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) collected in peridomestic environment, in the department of La Paz, Bolivia. These specimens were associated to Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galväo 1993. The exceptional finding of M. trinidadensis in peridomestic environment, illustrates the general tendency of triatominae to adapt to human dwellings and dependences

Nova espécie do complexo oliveirai (nova denominaçäo para o complexo matogrossensis) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / A new species of the oliveirai complex (new designation for Matogrossensis complex) from the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The authors describe a new species of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) from the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The study was made with specimens captured in basaltic formations, at an average altitude of 750 m.o.s.l. The new species is included in the oliveirai complex together with other four species T. williami, T. matogrossensis, T. guazu and T. jurbergi). The new species was compared with the most similar one, T. oliveirai, from which the main differences are on the proportions of head, ante and postocular regions, the general color pattern and the male genitalia, specially on the median process of the pygophore, the support of phallosome, the vesica and the process of the endosome

Changes in the Sexual Dimorphism of Triatominae in the Transition from Natural to Artificial Habitats

A shift from large to small average sizes was observed in Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius domesticus between field and domestic (or laboratory) conditions of life. It was more pronounced in the female specimens, leading to a subsequent reduction of sexual size dimorphism. This feature is discussed in terms of genetic and populational changes occurring from natural to artificial habitats, in particular those related to population densities. Sexual size dimorphism is then recommended as a new character to be used in the study of species of Triatominae adapting to domestic ecotopes

Atlas dos vetores da doença de Chagas nas Américas

Säo apresentados aspectos da morfologia externa, da mensuraçäo e do exocório de ovos em nove dos quinze gêneros, atualmente conhecidos, de Triatominae: Alberprosenia, Carvenicola, Dipetalogaster, Eratyrus, Microtriatoma Panstrongylus, Psammolestes, Rhodnius e Triatoma. Foram analisadas as características da fixaçäo ou näo ao substrato, mensuraçäo do diâmetro e do comprimento, forma e textura da casca, do ovo e do opérculo, assim como a arquitetura do exocório observada através de microscopia óptica (M.O.) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (M.E.V.), conforme trabalhos anteriores (Barata et al., 1980; Barata, 1981)

Morfologia e anatomia externa / External morphology and anatomy

Apresenta um esquema básico da anatomia dos triatomíneos que deve ser considerado como um guia. Neste sentido, säo mostradas algumas das características anatômicas e morfológicas sem se analisar qualquer espécie em particular

Biomorphological alterations induced by an anti-juvenile hormonal compound, 2-(2-EthoxyEthoxy) Ethyl furfuryl ether, on three species of Triatominae larvae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Applied topically to larvae of Rhodnius prolixus Stal, Triatoma infestans (Klug) and Panstrongylus herreri Wygodzinsky, vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease, a synthetic, furan-containing anti-juveline hormonal compound, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethyl furfuryl ether induced a variety of biomorphological alterations, including precocious metamorphosis into small adultoids with adult abdominal cuticle, ocelli, as well as rudimentary adultoid wings. Some adultoids died during ecdysis and were confined within the old cuticle. The extension of these biomorphological responses is discussed in terms of the complexity of the action of anti-juvenile hormonal compounds during the development of triatomines.

Alberprosenia malheiroi Serra, Atzingen & Serra, 1987 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae): redescriçäo e bionomia / Alberprosenia malheiroi Serra, Atzingen & Serra, 1987 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae): redescription and bionomics

Sobre Alberprosenia malheiroi n. sp. deu-se a conhecer uma diagnose resumida em 1980, porém sem valor bibliográfico. Em 1987, publicou-se a mesma diagnose anexando uma foto e alguns comentários, porém sem realizar uma descriçäo formal. Descreve-se para esta espécie, os adultos, os estádios imaturos, determina-se a série sintípica e apresenta-se dados bionômicos e de criaçäo em insetário. As diferenças mais evidentes com A. goyovargasi, a única espécie que se conhecia do gênero até entäo, säo a coloraçäo geral negra, o espaço interocular maior que o tamanho de um olho visto dorsalmente, os tubérculos do colar com o ápice agudo e o tamanho maior, na nova espécie, quase o dobro do da primeira espécie. Os ovos säo pequenos, fixados ao substrato em grupos de 3 ou 4, elipsóides, näo achatados lateralmente, com o opérculo proeminente, convexo, sem estruturas evidentes. As ninfas apresentam em todos os estádios caracteres típicos do gênero e da tribo, com regiäo anteocular menos longa que a post-ocular e característica pilosidade do tegumento que vai se acentuando a cada estádio. A. malheiroi n. sp. foi capturado em ecótopos silvestres em palmeiras em floresta no Estado do Pará, associados com morcegos ou aves. Nenhum dos exemplares estava infectado com Trypanosoma cruzi. Esses triatomíneos foram mantidos em insetários a ñ 25ºC e ñ 60 por cento UR, säo insetos ágeis e voam com relativa facilidade. Alimentaram-se bem em pombos e morcegos e näo aceitaram alimentaçäo em ratos, camundongos ou hamsters. O período de incubaçäo dos ovos foi em média 13 dias e o tempo de evoluçäo do período ninfal foi em média 132 dias

Evolución de Panstrongylus Chinai del Ponte, 1929 (hemiptera, reduviidae) en el laboratorio / Panstrongylus Chinai of Ponte evolution, 1929 (hemiptera, triatomidae) in the laboratory

Se estudia el ciclo de vida de Panstrongylus chinai en el laboratorio a temperatura de 24 grados C, humedad relativa de 70 por ciento, alimentados con sangre de pollo cada 8 días. El tiempo que transcurrió de adulto a adulto fue de 241 a 250 días y de huevo a adulto de 227 a 236 días; el promedio de huevos ovipositados por una hembra fue de 0.6 huevo/día totalizando a 95 puestos en períodos de 4 a 5 días consecutivos interrumpidos por 3 a 5 días de descanso en un lapso de 158 días

Estudo comparativo da genitália externa masculina de duas espécies de Zelurus Hahn, 1826 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Reduviianae) / A comparative study of the male external genitalia of two species of Zelurus Hahn, 1826

Objetivando estabelecer novos parâmetros taxonômicos para o gênero Zelurus Hahn, 1826, foi feito um estudo detalhado e comparativo da genitália externa dos machos de duas espécies: Z. circumcinctus (Hahn, 1835) lepeletierianus (Kirdaldy, 1909). Foram evidenciadas como mais representativas as seguintes estruturas fálicas: processo do pigóforo, parâmetro, falosoma, suporte do falosoma e processo 2 do endosoma