Neotropical Entomology (2011) 40, 708-710

G.B. Pontes, F. Noireau and M.G. Lorenzo (2011)
Behavioral evidence of an ectoparasitic interaction between Triatoma pseudomaculata Corrêa e Espínola (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) and Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattodea: Blattidae)
Neotropical Entomology 40 (6), 708-710
Abstract: The present work tested whether Triatoma pseudomaculata Corrêa and Espínola shows behavioral traits indicating that it is capable of feeding on arthropods. We consistently observed nymphs extending their proboscis in the direction of cockroaches and attempting to bite. Insects presented a preference for biting specific cockroach body parts. Our results suggest that arthropod hemolymph represents an alternative source of food that increases the survival of T. pseudomaculata individuals undergoing long starvation.
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Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Marcelo G. Lorenzo

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Triatoma pseudomaculata