Dynamics of thermopreference in the Chagas disease vector Panstrongylus megistus

PIRES, H.H.R.; LAZZARI, C.R.; SCHILMAN, P.E.; DIOTAIUTI, L. & LORENZO, M.G.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Entomological Society of America

Lugar: USA; Año: 2002 vol. 39 p. 716 - 719

0022-2585

The thermopreference of resting P. megistus (Burmeister, 1834) adults was studied in a temperature gradient. We also determined the thermopreference for oviposition and ecdysis. Thermopreference of resting individuals depended on the feeding state of the insects. Results demonstrated an initial resting preference of _29°C, which gradually changed to 26-27°C with increasing starvation. A daily variation in thermopreference was also observed with this species. The insects showed a daily maximum preference at the beginning of the dark phase, and a minimum preference during the Þrst half of the light phase. Ecdysis took place all along the gradient, but exhibited a maximum frequency at 30°C. Most eggs were found between 25 and 29°C. Results are discussed in relation to the ecology of P. megistus as compared with other related species, and the existence of mechanisms of behavioral thermoregulation in the group.