Resistance of Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão, 1993 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) to fasting under laboratory conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão, 1993 to food deprivation under laboratory conditions at mean environmental temperature and humidity rates. Recently laid eggs from previously separated pairs were transferred to 50 mL propylene assay tubes with screw caps wrapped with filter paper. A strip of filter paper was included inside to increase the insects' contact area and remove excess humidity. Specimens were isolated, identified, and observed after hatching until they died, having received only one feeding. The mean resistance to food deprivation was 23.45 ± 6.42; 40.52 ± 22.57; 70.39 ± 38.46; 119.6 ± 51.44, and 160.0 ± 49.44 days for the 1st to 5th stages, respectively. Adult males resisted for 52.65 ± 12.16 days, and females resisted for 46.50 ± 18.05 days.