Authors : M.A. Becerril-Flores , A. Aguilar-Hernandez and J.L. Imbert-Palafox
Abstract: Triatoma mexicana is one of the triatomine species whose biologic development is yet unknown, but it is frequently reported to be infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. In this research, we explore the life cycle and reproductive and feeding patterns of T. mexicana under laboratory conditions. Ten female and 12 male insects were collected to make up a artificial colony. The deposited eggs were maintained in the laboratory under 3 different conditions: 27�C and 66% humidity, 26�C and 35% humidity and 19�C and 45% humidity (these last were room temperature and humidity). Nymph and adult insects were fed on CD-1 mice and chicken once a week in order to study the alimentary preference of this triatomine species. Our observations were that 71.5% of successful hatching took place at 27�C and 66% humidity, therefore were the better environmental conditions for T. mexicana. Out of successfully hatched ones, 8% survived till adulthood, in which 2.5% were males and 5.5% were females, at the end of 338.66�35.38 days. In the adult phase, the insects survived between 100 and 190 days. In 1st to 4th instars, T. mexicana was fed for 1-3 times; in 5th instar for 1-4 times and in adulthood for 3-7 times. Each feeding occurred at an interval of 15-34 days. The morphologic characteristics of every instar phase are described by photographs. Through this research, biologic cycle and survival conditions of T. mexicana were explored for the first time.
M.A. Becerril-Flores , A. Aguilar-Hernandez and J.L. Imbert-Palafox , 2008. Biologic Development of Triatoma mexicana (Herrich-Schaeffer 1848) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) under Laboratory Conditions. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 3: 85-90.