Neotropical Entomology (2009) 38, 231-236

Ana Cristina R. Vitta, José E. Serrão, Eraldo R. Lima and Evaldo F. Villela (2009)
The metasternal and Brindley's Glands of Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Neotropical Entomology 38 (2), 231-236
Abstract: Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva is the most important vector of the Chagas' disease in the semiarid zones of North-eastern Brazil. Adult bugs have two main pairs of exocrine glands, the metasternal and the Brindley's glands, which release volatiles possibly with defense, alarm and/or mating functions. To date, anatomical and histological studies of the metasternal and the Brindley's glands in the genus Triatoma are scarce and, considering the relevance of these exocrine glands, the present work aimed at studying their morphology in T. brasiliensis. The metasternal and the Brindley's glands of T. brasiliensis consist of glandular units similar to those described for Rhodnius prolixus Stål and Panstrongylus megistus Burmeister, comprising a secretory apparatus, saccule and collector duct.
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Database assignments for author(s): José Eduardo Serrao

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 brasiliensis		Brazil (NE)