Bionomic studies of Dipetalogaster maximus (Hemiptera: Triatominae): II. Influence of diet on the biological cycle and resistance to fast
Dr. J.R. de Almeida
[https://x.com/dralmeidajr][in
Editora Priscila M. S. Gomes
Study Reveals How Different Blood Sources Influence the Development of the Kissing Bug Dipetalogaster maximus
A laboratory investigation has shed light on how different blood sources affect the development of the blood-feeding insect Dipetalogaster maximus, a member of the same family as the vectors of Chagas disease. Researchers compared two groups: one fed on mouse blood and the other on pigeon blood, both kept under controlled conditions of temperature (28 °C) and relative humidity (65%).
The results revealed striking differences between the two groups. Insects fed on mouse blood reached adulthood in an average of 130 days, while those fed on pigeon blood required about 146 days to complete their development. Mortality rates also varied significantly: 63.7% of the pigeon-fed group died, nearly double the 31.1% mortality observed among the mouse-fed insects.
Another key finding concerned resistance to starvation. Bugs nourished with mouse blood survived for much longer when deprived of food, particularly during intermediate stages of development (third, fourth, and fifth instars). This indicates that blood source plays a decisive role not only in growth speed but also in the survival capacity of the species.
These findings expand on previous records of D. maximus under similar conditions, which had already examined female fertility, egg viability, and comparative mortality and fertility rates. Taken together, the data reinforce the importance of understanding how blood meal sources shape the life cycle of kissing bugs.
While Dipetalogaster maximus is not considered a primary vector of Chagas disease, its close relationship to medically relevant triatomines makes such research essential. Studies of this kind not only deepen scientific knowledge about hematophagous insect biology but also support strategies for population management and potential vector control, contributing to public health preparedness.
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