Biological characteristics of Meccus phyllosomus pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) fed on two different hosts

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Different blood meal sources can affect biology of triatomines. METHODS: We studied the influence of two different blood meal sources (rabbits and hens) on five biological parameters in Meccus phyllosomus pallidipennis and collected biological parameters. RESULTS: The cohort fed on rabbits had a shorter median life-cycle and lower mortality rate than that fed on hens. Both cohorts required a similar number of blood meals to reach adulthood. Median longevity and number of blood meals for adults were similar between both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS The studied parameters reflect the high grade of adaptation of M. p. pallidipennis feeding on different hosts.

Parámetros biológicos de Meccus phyllosomus, Meccus mazzottii y sus híbridos de laboratorio / Biological parameters of Meccus phyllosomus, Meccus mazzottii and laboratory bred-hybrids

Se reportan datos sobre el ciclo de vida, número de repastos sanguíneos para mudar de estadio ninfal, mortalidad y el porcentaje de hembras de híbridos de M. phyllosomus x M. mazzottii en comparación con cohortes “puras” de M. phyllosomus (Burmeister) y M. mazzottii (Usinger). El ciclo de vida fue significativamente (P<0,05) más corto en las dos cohortes híbridas, respecto de las parentales. En contraste, no se registraron diferencias significativas (P>0,05) entre cohortes en el número de repastos sanguíneos para mudar de estadio ninfal. El porcentaje de mortalidad (41.8%) de la cohorte parental de M. phyllosomus fue significativamente (P<0,05) mayor que los de las tres cohortes restantes. El porcentaje de hembras fue similar (P>0,05) entre las cuatro cohortes bajo estudio.

Data is reported about life cycle, number of blood meal to molt to next instar, mortality and percentage of females on hybrids from crosses of M. phyllosomus x M. mazzottii compared to “pure” cohorts of M. phyllosomus (Burmeister) and M. mazzottii (Usinger). Recorded life cycle was significantly ( P<0,05) shorter in both hybrids cohorts with respect to the two parental ones. In contrast, non significant (P>0,05) differences were recorded in the number of blood meals to molt to next instar when the four studied cohorts were compared. Mortality percentage (41.8%) on the parental cohort of M. phyllosomus was significantly (P<0,05) higher than those in the three other studied cohorts. Female percentage was similar (P>0,05) when the four studied cohorts were compared.