The present work aims at learning the period of resistance to starvation
(molting/death) of Triatoma rubrofasciata in different stages of
development and the respective loss of weight until death. Eggs of
specimens from the greater area of the city of Sao Luis in the State of
Maranhao, Brazil, yielded approximately 300 nymphs. These nymphs were
placed in labelled Borrel glasses, in which they were weekly fed on rats
(Rattus norvegicus), until reaching the stage to be observed. The
experiments were conducted in a climatic chamber regulated at 29+/-1
C, 70% relative humidity and 12 hr photoperiod. The resistance to
starvation increased according to the stage of development, except for
adult bugs, whose results were similar to the 3rd stage nymphs. In all
these development stages there was an abrupt loss of weight in the first
week, followed by a gradual loss until death. Comparing this work with
those of other authors, it was observed that T. rubrofasciata is
among the less resistant triatomine species.
