Biology of nymphs of Rhodnius robustus Larrousse, 1927 (Hemiptera, reduviidae), fed on pigeon or on Swiss mouse blood in laboratory conditions

The duration of the life cycle of Rhodnius robustus Larrousse, 1927 as well as the mortality rate of each nymphal instar were studied comparing groups fed on pigeon or on mouse blood weekly or fortnightly. This species showed a better development and lower mortality rate when fed on swiis mouse. The intervals between feedings apparently did not have influence on the shorteing of the cycle. We suggest that laboratoy colonies and experiments with R. robustus are better maintained when these triatomines are fed on swiss mouse.