The life cycle of
Triatoma klugi
Carcavallo, Jurberg, Lent & Galvão 2001 was compared under laboratory
conditions using two groups of the F1 generation obtained from field-collected
bugs. Among the 100 nymphs weekly fed on mice (Group A) or chicken (Group
B), 77% of Group A and 67% of Group B reached the adult stage, and the
mean time from the first nymphal stage to adult was 190.08 ± 28.31
days and 221.23 ± 40.50, respectively. The average span in days for
each stage per group and the number of blood meals required for each stage
were also evaluated. The overall mortality rate was 23% and 33% for Groups
A and B, respectively. The mean number of eggs laid per month in a three-month
period was of 56.20, 51.70 and 73.20 for Group A, and 64.50, 53.50 and
38.71 for Group B. Despite the blood source, comparative analysis revealed
no statistically significant differences in the life cycle of
T. klugi
under laboratory conditions. Infection rates over 60% were observed for
both
Trypanosoma cruzi
strains tested. Even revealing high infection rates of the hemolymph by
T. rangeli
strains,
T. klugi
revealed no salivary gland infections and was not able to transmit the
parasite.
