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1 September 2002 Dynamics of Thermopreference in the Chagas Disease Vector Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
H. H R. Pires, C. R. Lazzari, P. E. Schilman, L. Diotaiuti, M. G. Lorenzo
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Abstract

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 first 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.

H. H R. Pires, C. R. Lazzari, P. E. Schilman, L. Diotaiuti, and M. G. Lorenzo "Dynamics of Thermopreference in the Chagas Disease Vector Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)," Journal of Medical Entomology 39(5), 716-719, (1 September 2002). https://doi.org/10.1603/0022-2585-39.5.716
Received: 6 September 2000; Accepted: 1 April 2001; Published: 1 September 2002
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KEYWORDS
Chagas disease
microclimate
Panstrongylus megistus
starvation
thermopreference
Triatominae
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