Compounds released by disturbed adults of the haematophagous bug Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): behavioural effects of single compounds and binary mixtures

PALOTTINI, F.; MANRIQUE, G.

PHYSIOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY (PRINT)

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2016 vol. 41 p. 234 - 240

0307-6962

Adults of the Chagas disease vector Triatoma infestans Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), possess paired exocrine glands: the metasternal and Brindley?s glands. It is reported that both glands are discharged by disturbed adults, releasing an alarm pheromone which elicits an escape response of larvae. This work analyses the individual (or combined) effects of some of the volatiles of the whole pheromone blend released under disturbance, searching for active compounds and for possible interactions (e.g. synergism, additive effects) between them. Using an experimental arena, different doses of components emitted by disturbed adults are tested against larvae. Larvae show escape responses to some of the acids, to one alcohol and no response to ketones. This is observed with certain doses of compounds from the Brindley?s glands (isobutyric, butyric and acetic acid; 2-methyl-1-butanol), but compounds tested here that are produced by metasternal glands evoke random responses suggesting that it is mainly the Brindley?s glands that are involved in the alarm context. Two combinations of two individually repellent compounds (2-methyl-1-butanol with acetic or isobutyric acid) evoke escape responses, but other combinations make the individual effect disappear. A different mixture of two individually repellent compounds (butyric and isobutyric acid) evokes attraction, but these are also host odours. The potential use of the active compounds released by disturbed adults to monitor triatomine populations, is discussed.