Behavior of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) vectors of Chaga's disease: IV. Fecundity, fertility and longevity of Panstrongylus megistus (Burm., 1835) pairs and virgin females starved under laboratory conditions
Dr. J.R. de Almeida
[https://x.com/dralmeidajr][in
Editora Priscila M. S. Gomes
Laboratory Research Reveals Fecundity and Starvation Resistance in the Chagas Disease Vector Panstrongylus megistus
A laboratory study has provided new insights into the fecundity, fertility, and lifespan of Panstrongylus megistus pairs, as well as the reproductive capacity and survival of virgin females subjected to food deprivation after their final molt. This species, recognized as one of the main vectors of Chagas disease, showed notable differences between males and females when it comes to egg-laying and resistance to starvation.
Findings revealed that only 22.2% of mated females laid eggs, and among these, just 4.4% were fertile. Despite the low fertility rate, females demonstrated greater resilience to starvation than males, surviving for longer periods under adverse conditions.
When virgin females were observed under the same deprivation conditions, only 10% managed to lay eggs, with an extremely low oviposition rate an average of just 0.47 egg per female. Furthermore, virgin females showed lower resistance to starvation compared to mated females, suggesting that reproductive experience may directly influence the insect’s survival capacity.
These results highlight the importance of understanding the reproductive cycle and physiological limits of P. megistus. By identifying patterns of fecundity and survival in conditions of food scarcity, science advances in explaining the persistence of this species in both domestic and wild environments.
Given the central role of the kissing bug in transmitting Chagas disease an illness that continues to affect thousands across Latin America studying the reproductive biology and resilience of this vector is crucial for developing more effective control strategies and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
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