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INTRODUCTION: This short communication presents a novel report on the occurrence of Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. METHODS: Two specimens were collected inside dwellings and identified using dichotomous keys. RESULTS: The present study showed the extensive geographic distribution of P. rufotuberculatus and the increased number of species in the state of Rondônia. CONCLUSIONS: This new record of P. rufotuberculatus is important for understanding the epidemiology of Chagas disease because this species is found naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Studies on the ecology, biology, and vector-host-parasite interactions of this species are essential for surveillance programs.

To assess the quality of triatomine identification in the laboratory network of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.The participating laboratories received support material with dichotomous keys and a panel made up of seven triatomine insects known in the Pernambuco, in order to identify specimen status on receipt (intact or damaged structure), as well as species and sex.Nine out of 12 laboratories took part of the study. The proportion of correct answers was 56/63 for sex identification, and 45/63, for species. The answers did not present a direct relationship with occurrence of damage to morphological structures during insect transportation. Panstrongylus megistus identification was correct for all specimens (9/9 laboratories), while correct identification of species of the Rhodnius genus was the lowest (3/9 laboratories).Despite the good performance in entomological identification, the weaknesses observed may guide improvements in the laboratory network and will be essential for Chagas disease vector control programs.Avaliar a qualidade da identificação de triatomíneos na rede de laboratórios do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil.Os nove laboratórios participantes receberam material de apoio com as chaves dicotômicas e um painel composto por sete insetos triatomíneos conhecidos no estado, para identificação da situação do espécime no recebimento (estrutura completa ou danificada), espécie e sexo.Nove laboratórios de 12 aderiram ao estudo. A proporção de acerto para identificação do sexo foi de 56/63, e para espécie, 45/63, não apresentando relação direta com a ocorrência de danos nas estruturas morfológicas durante o transporte dos insetos. Para Panstrongylus megistus, houve acerto em todos os espécimes (9/9), enquanto para espécies do gênero Rhodnius a proporção foi menor (3/9).Apesar do bom desempenho na identificação entomológica, as fragilidades observadas poderão orientar ações para melhoria na rede de laboratórios e serão essenciais para os programas de controle vetorial da doença de Chagas.Evaluar la calidad de la identificación de triatominos en la red de laboratorios del estado de Pernambuco, Brasil.Los nueve laboratorios participantes recibieron material de apoyo con claves dicotómicas y un panel conformado por siete insectos triatominos conocidas en el estado, para identificar la situación del espécimen al recibirlo (estructura completa o dañada), especie y sexo.La adherencia al laboratorio fue del 9/12. La proporción de aciertos para la identificación del sexo fue del 56/63, y para las especies 45/63, no mostraron relación directa con la ocurrencia de daños en las estructuras morfológicas durante el transporte de insectos. Solo Panstrongylus megistus logró el 9/9 de precisión, mientras que para las especies del género Rhodnius fue el más pequeño (3/9).A pesar del buen desempeño en identificación entomológica, la evaluación indicó debilidades que permitirán implementar acciones correctivas para mejorar la red de laboratorios, esenciales para los programas de control vectorial de la enfermedad de Chagas.

Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811) is the most widely distributed species in Brazil. This study presents the first report of this species collected inside a building in the “Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Desenvolvimento Sustentável”, at the Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The new record is important to understand the risk of Chagas disease transmission, mainly because this species is commonly found infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909).&nbsp

Triatoma ryckmani Zeledón & Ponce, 1972 is a species found in sylvatic habitat at Central America. Considered rare in the past and poorly studied, nowadays can be found inside houses with potential of dispersal and colonization. All five instars of T. ryckmani are described based on optical and scanning electron microscopy. The postembryonic development of the head analyzed by ontogenetic morphometry showed the largest changes occur in the first three instars. Information about morphology of the immature stages of disease vectors can be helpful in the identification process increasing speed and efficiency of control strategies.

Uma nova especie criptica de Triatoma e descrita dentro do subcomplexo T. rubrovaria. As diferencas entre T. pintodiasi sp. nov. e T. circummaculata incluem, entre outras, o padrao cromatico e diferencas morfologicas nas estruturas falicas, como nos parâmeros, suporte do falosoma, processo do endosoma e vesica. Analises bioquimicas realizadas na hemolinfa e a comparacao morfometrica da cabeca tambem registraram diferencas entre as duas especies e outras do subcomplexo T. rubrovaria.

INTRODUCTION: The present study shows a descriptive analysis of triatomine occurrence and its natural Trypanosoma infection rates in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2006 and 2007. METHODS: Entomological data for the species, such as specimens captured in both intra and peridomiciles and natural infection index, were obtained via domiciliary capture in 147 municipalities from 11 Regional Managements of Health. The database was obtained from a sample of insects (100% infected and 20% non-infected) sent to the Central Laboratory of Pernambuco. RESULTS: A total of 18,029 triatomines were analyzed from 138 municipalities of the state. Triatoma pseudomaculata (35%), Triatoma brasiliensis (34%), and Panstrongylus lutzi (25%) were the most captured species. These species also showed a widespread geographical distribution in the state. Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma petrocchiae, Triatoma melanocephala, Triatoma sordida, Rhodnius nasutus, Rhodnius neglectus, and Triatoma infestans showed more limited geographical distribution and lower relative abundance. The parasitological research showed that 8.8% of the triatomines were naturally infected with flagellates morphologically similar to Trypanosoma cruzi and 91.3% of them were captured inside houses in 113 municipalities. P. lutzi showed the highest rates of natural infection. CONCLUSIONS: After the control of T. infestans, synanthropic species, such as T. brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata, and P. lutzi, maintain the risk of T. cruzi transmission to humans in the state of Pernambuco. These species are widely distributed, and infected specimens have been found inside houses. Thus, an enhanced surveillance and vector control of Chagas disease is recommended in Pernambuco. INTRODUÇÃO: O presente estudo apresenta uma análise descritiva da ocorrência de triatomíneos e seus índices de infecção natural por Trypanosoma no Estado de Pernambuco, entre 2006 e 2007. MÉTODOS: Dados entomológicos para as espécies de triatomíneos, tais como espécimes capturados no intra e peridomicílio, e índice de infecção natural foram obtidos por meio da captura domiciliar em 147 municípios das 11 Gerências Regionais de Saúde. A pequisa foi baseada em uma amostra de insetos (100% dos infectados e 20% dos não infectados) enviados para o Laboratório Central de Pernambuco. RESULTADOS: No total, 18.029 triatomíneos foram analisados provenientes de 138 municípios. Triatoma pseudomaculata (35%), Triatoma brasiliensis (34%) e Panstrongylus lutzi (25%) foram as espécies mais capturadas. Estas espécies também apresentaram ampla distribuição geográfica no estado. Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma petrocchiae, Triatoma melanocephala, Triatoma sordida, Rhodnius nasutus, Rhodnius neglectus e Triatoma infestans apresentaram distribuição geográfica mais restrita e menores valores de abundância relativa. A pesquisa parasitológica mostrou que 8,8% dos triatomíneos estavam infectados por flagelados morfologicamente similares a Trypanosoma cruzi e 91,3% deles foram capturados no interior das habitações em 113 municípios. P. lutzi apresentou as maiores taxas de infecção natural. CONCLUSÕES: Após o controle do T. infestans, as espécies sinantrópicas T. brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata e P. lutzi mantêm o risco de transmissão do T. cruzi ao homem no Estado de Pernambuco. Estas espécies são amplamente distribuídas e espécimes infectados foram encontrados dentro das casas. Assim, nossos resultados recomendam reforçar a vigilância e controle vetorial da doença de Chagas em Pernambuco.

Os autores descreveram as características morfológicas de Triatoma klugi Carcavallo, Jurberg, Lent & Galvão, 2001 pertencente ao grupo de espécies que compõem o "complexo T. oliveirai". Até o presente tem sido difícil separar essas espécies com base nas características ninfais, o que justifica o desenvolvimento deste trabalho. Os espécimes foram coletados em frestas de rochas no morro Malavok na localidade de Linha Brasil, município de Nova Petrópolis, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O local de captura dos triatomíneos situa-se entre 700 e 800 m de altitude (29º18'38''S, 51º04'57''W). Juntamente com T. oliveirai (Neiva, Pinto & Lent, 1939), espécie morfologicamente mais próxima, são as únicas do complexo que não foram encontradas, até o momento, no Estado do Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul e Goiás, Brasil. Em condições experimentais, já foi testada e comprovada a sua susceptibilidade à infecção pelo Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) e Trypanosoma rangeli (Tejera, 1920). A análise comparativa das ornamentações do exocório dos ovos e de três estádios ninfais de T. klugi por microscopia óptica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura mostrou algumas particularidades morfológicas, com destaque para: a face ventral da cabeça, o sulco estridulatório e os últimos segmentos abdominais (IX, X - futura genitália e XI - tubo anal). Esses dados contribuem para a ampliação dos parâmetros diferenciais visando à diagnose de T. klugi durante o seu desenvolvimento ninfal. The authors had described the morphologic characteristics of Triatoma klugi Carcavallo, Jurberg, Lent & Galvão, 2001 to the group of species belonging to "T. oliveirai complex". Until the moment it has been difficult to separate on the nymphs characteristics basis these species, what it justifies the development of this work. The specimens had been collected in openings of rocks in the Malavok mount in the locality of Linha Brazil, city of Nova Petrópolis, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The local of capture of the Triatominae is placed enters 700 and 800 m of altitud (29º18'38''S, 51º04'57''W). Together with T. oliveirai (Neiva, Pinto & Lent, 1939), its morphologically related species, is the only ones of the complex that had not been found, until the moment, in the State of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás, Brazil. In experimental conditions, already it was tested and proven its susceptibilities to the infection for Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) and Trypanosoma rangeli (Tejera, 1920). The comparative analysis of the ornaments of the exocorium of eggs and of three nymphs of T. klugi by optic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed some morphologic particularities, with prominence for: the ventral face of the head, the stridulatory sulcus and the last abdominal segments (IX, X - future genitalia and XI - anal duct). These data contribute for the magnifying of the distinguishing parameters aiming at diagnosis of T. klugi during its nymphal development.

Triatoma baratai Carcavallo & Jurberg, is a wild ( i.e., nonperidomestic) species found in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (Bodoquena region, county of Bonito), Brazil. Its eggs and nymphs are described here based on optical and scanning electron microscopy. The operculum and exochorion have pentagonal, hexagonal, and heptagonal cells, with small cracks and small random pits. Differences in the eggs and five nymphal instars of T. baratai allow them to be distinguished from the sympatric species Triatoma williami Galvão, Souza & Lima, and from six of the nine members of the Triatoma oliveirai complex. The most useful differentiating characters are in the color, shape of the abdomen, head, and total body length. Keys are provided to separate the eggs and nymphal instars of six of the nine members of the Triatoma oliveirai species complex.

For the first time, the eggs and all instars of a species of the Indian genus Linshcosteus are described using morphometrics and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Linshcosteus karupus Galvao, Patterson, Rocha & Jurberg, 2002 was recently described from near Kalakkadu, Tamil Nadu State, southern India. In addition, current knowledge and the importance of morphological studies of immature Triatominae are discussed.

The subfamily Triatominae is actually represented by 137 species distributed among 6 tribes and 19 genera. Within this subfamily, the genus Panstrongylus, Berg 1879, is composed by 13 species widespread in sylvatic, peridomestic, and domestic habitats of Neotropical regions. These species are vectors of Chagas disease and consequently are found associated with its main hosts, such as birds and mammals. Interest in species of this genus has been increasing in the last few years. Reports of several authors indicate these Triatominae to invade and colonize houses, increasing their epidemiological significance. Morphometry was used in this study to investigate correlations among possible closely related species. We measured 224 specimens among 13 species through a set of metric variables of the head. The results indicated that the genus Panstrongylus seems to be homogeneous since 10 of the 14 species were shown to be closely related.

Rhodnius robustus Larrousse, é uma espécie silvestre encontrada na região Norte do Brasil (Acre, Amazonas e Pará), Guiana Francesa, Bolívia, Colômbia, Equador, Peru e Venezuela. Essa espécie tem sido encontrada em domicílios e peridomicílios e já foi observada naturalmente infectada por Trypanossoma cruzi Chagas, Trypanossoma rangeli Tejera e com infecção mista. A partir de observações realizadas em laboratório, foi avaliada a capacidade de voo, correlacionando essa atividade com a quantidade de sangue ingerido, sexo e período de jejum. Apesar da temperatura elevada (33º C), 26% dos insetos não voaram sugerindo a influência de fatores intrínsecos na capacidade de voo de R. robustus. Flight Activity of Rhodnius robustus Larrousse in Laboratory (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae Abstract. Rhodnius robustus Larrousse, is a sylvatic species found in northern Brazil (Acre, Amazonas and Pará), Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. This species has been found in and around the dwellings, have been data collection of this species naturally infected with Trypanossoma cruzi Chagas, Trypanossoma rangeli Tejera and mixed infections. From observations made in the laboratory, we evaluated the ability of flight, correlating this activity with the amount of ingested blood, sex and fasting period. Despite the high temperature (33º C), 26% of the insects flew suggesting the influence of intrinsic factors in flight capacity of R. robustus. &nbsp

The authors observed the feeding and defecation times of the nymphs of T. melanosoma Martínez, Olmedo & Carcavallo, 1987. Two groups were studied, one maintained under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, and the other under ambient conditions. There was no significant difference in the number of bloodmeals accomplished by the nymphs of the two groups. Until the fourth instar the nymphs needed less than two bloodmeals to reach the subsequent instar, and only in the fifth instar did they require more than three bloodmeals to reach adulthood. This species demonstrated great avidity to feed; in about 70% of the observed cases the insects initiated feeding in less than one minute. Full engorgement was also reached quickly; more than 70% of the bloodmeals lasted for 5 to 15 minutes. In the first three instars more than 70% of defecation was observed immediately after feeding, demonstrating a good vectorial potential. The differences in the conditions under which the insects were maintained, were insufficient to cause a significant difference in the results observed between the two groups studied.

The authors observed the feeding and defecation times of the nymphs of T. melanosoma Martínez, Olmedo & Carcavallo, 1987. Two groups were studied, one maintained under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, and the other under ambient conditions. There was no significant difference in the number of bloodmeals accomplished by the nymphs of the two groups. Until the fourth instar the nymphs needed less than two bloodmeals to reach the subsequent instar, and only in the fifth instar did they require more than three bloodmeals to reach adulthood. This species demonstrated great avidity to feed; in about 70% of the observed cases the insects initiated feeding in less than one minute. Full engorgement was also reached quickly; more than 70% of the bloodmeals lasted for 5 to 15 minutes. In the first three instars more than 70% of defecation was observed immediately after feeding, demonstrating a good vectorial potential. The differences in the conditions under which the insects were maintained, were insufficient to cause a significant difference in the results observed between the two groups studied.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi observar o desenvolvimento de R. neglectus em diferentes condições de temperatura e umidade. Três grupos foram formados:33/40 (33+/- 1ºC e 40% +/-5% UR), 33/70 (33+/- 1ºC e 70% +/-5% UR), e 28/70 (28+/- 1ºC e 70% +/-5% UR). Todos os grupos foram observados diariamente para avaliação do período de incubação dos ovos, período de desenvolvimento dos estádios ninfais, percentual de mortalidade por estádio, número de repastos realizados, e período de desenvolvimento da eclosão a muda imaginal. O desenvolvimento embrionário apresentou diferenças significativas em todos os tratamentos, o grupo 33/40 apresentou o menor período de incubação. O menor número de repastos foi observado no grupo 33/40 exceto para o primeiro estádio (grupo 28/70). O período de desenvolvimento ninfal foi significativamente reduzido no grupo 33/40; entretanto, o percentual de mortalidade deste grupo foi alto, e os insetos não conseguiram realizar a muda imaginal.The objective of the present paper was to study the development of R. neglectus in the laboratory under different conditions of temperature and humidity. Three groups were prepared: 33/40 (33+/- 1ºC and 40% +/-5% UR), 33/70 (33+/- 1ºC and 70% +/-5% UR), and 28/70 (28+/- 1ºC and 70% +/-5% UR). All these groups were observed daily to evaluate the eggs' incubation period, the development period of each instar nymph, the mortality rate of each stage, the frequency of feeding and the hatching - adult ecdysis period. The embryonic development showed significant differences between the treatment given, the group 33/40 presented the lowest incubation period. The lowest bloodmeals number was observed in the group 33/40 except for the first instar (group 28/70). The period of nymphal development was significantly reduced in the group 33/40, however, the mortality was high and the specimens did not reach the adult phase.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as diferenças significativas de desenvolvimento ninfal da espécie Rhodnius robustus Larrousse, 1927, submetida a diferentes condições de temperatura e umidade, que se encontra distribuída na região Norte do Brasil (Acre, Amazonas e Pará) e na Colômbia, no Equador, no Peru e na Venezuela. MÉTODOS: Formaram-se três grupos de Rhodnius robustus, mantidos em diferentes condições de laboratório: 33/40 (33+/-1°C e 40+/-5% UR -- umidade relativa), 33/70 (33+/-1°C e 70+/-5% UR) e 28/70 (28+/-1°C e 70+/-5% UR), para observar o período de incubação dos ovos, o desenvolvimento de cada estádio, os percentuais de mortalidade e os número de repastos realizados. RESULTADOS: O menor período médio de desenvolvimento ninfal foi observado no grupo 28/70 com as médias: 14,4; 17,3; 20,3; 22,8 e 40. O desenvolvimento embrionário apresentou diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos utilizados (p

The objective of the present paper was to study the development of R. neglectus in the laboratory under different conditions of temperature and humidity. Three groups were prepared: 33/40 (33+/1oC and 40% +/-5% UR), 33/70 (33+/1oC and 70% +/-5% UR), and 28/70 (28+/1oC and 70% +/-5% UR). All these groups were observed daily to evaluate the eggs’ incubation period, the development period of each instar nymph, the mortality rate of each stage, the frequency of feeding and the hatching – adult ecdysis period. The embryonic development showed significant differences between the treatment given, the group 33/40 presented the lowest incubation period. The lowest bloodmeals number was observed in the group 33/40 except for the first instar (group 28/70). The period of nymphal development was significantly reduced in the group 33/40, however, the mortality was high and the specimens did not reach the adult phase. Key-words: Rhodnius neglectus. Triatominae. Chagas’ disease. Temperature. Humidity. 1 Laboratorio Nacional e Internacional de Referencia em Taxonomia de Triatomineos do Departamento de Entomologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Suporte Financeiro: CNPq e convenio FNS/FIOCRUZ n 123/97 Endereco para correspondencia: Dra. Dayse da Silva Rocha. Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil. Telefax: 55 21 2290-9339. e-mail: galvao@gene.dbbm.fiocruz.br Recebido para publicacao em 8/9/2000. O aquecimento global e seus possiveis impactos fisicos e ecologicos, vem despertando o interesse de pesquisadores de diversas areas; os impactos que as mudancas climaticas poderao ocasionar na saude humana tem sido tema de debates entre especialistas da OMS. No caso da doenca de Chagas, as provaveis alteracoes seriam: modificacoes na distribuicao geografica das especies; alteracoes no mecanismo de dispersao pelo voo; incremento do numero de repastos, aumentando a probabilidade de infeccao/transmissao; aceleracao do ciclo biologico e aumento da densidade populacional . Rhodnius neglectus Lent, 1954, e uma especie encontrada nos Estados da Bahia, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Parana, Pernambuco e Sao Paulo, Brasil, entre 3o e 25o de latitude sul, desde o nivel do mar ate 700m.s.n.m9. E considerada silvestre mas, ja foi encontrada nas habitacoes humanas no Estado de Goias, juntamente com o T. sordida. Em estudos realizados nas regioes norte e nordeste do Estado de Sao Paulo, e no Estado de Minas Gerais, foram encontradas colonias de R. neglectus em domicil ios e per idomicil ios5. Considera-se, ainda que em menor grau, capaz de colonizar ecotopos artificiais, mesmo a distâncias apreciaveis dos focos naturais. Esta especie esta entre as especies que vem ocupando os nichos vagos, apos o controle do T. infestans no Estado de Goias. No ambiente silvestre R. neglectus esta associado a varias especies de palmeiras como o babacu e a macaubeira, utilizando como fonte alimentar aves, marsupiais

Rhodnius pictipes (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) from Serra Norte, State of Pará, Brazil, aclimatized in an insectary at the Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos, Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, were fed through a silicone membrane. In order to know the viability and the efficiency of this membrane compared with insects fed on mice, the number of bloodmeals taken, period of development of the five nymphal instars, longevity of adults, average amount of blood intake in each meal and percent of mortality were observed. A total of 310 insects, were used, comprising 50 nymphs of each instar, as well as 30 male and 30 female adults. Insects fed artificially had reduced minimal and maximal periods of development than the group fed on mice. The largest relative increase of body weight was observed in the 2nd instar followed by the 1st, and the amount of blood ingested increased during the development, to the 5th instar for both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups fed artificially and in vivo according to Tukey's test for p>0.05. The percent of mortality in the 1st instar was 18% for artificially fed and 16% for the group fed on mice; these percentages decreased as insects developed until the 4th instar, without mortality, returning to increase in the 5th instar. R. pictipes was shown to be easily adaptable to artificial feeding, and could be considered as an important and viable experimental model.

Rhodnius pictipes Stal, 1872 is a silvatic species with a widespread distribution in South America, found in nine Brazilian states, naturally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi and T. rangeli. The individual rearing of this species under laboratory conditions, allowed the following biological aspects to be observed: incubation time, search for first meal after eclosion or moult, time - lapse between presentation of the blood meal and the beginning of feeding, duration of blood meal, time and place of defecation, number of blood meals, duration of each instar and adult longevity, and time required from egg to adult.

Uma nova espécie de Rhodnius é descrita e ilustrada baseada em um exemplar macho do nordeste brasileiro. O espécime foi encontrado morto e ressecado. Esta espécie pode ser separada da espécie afim, R. paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles, pelo seu maior tamanho, pelo aspecto geral de coloração do corpo, pela cor uniforme das pernas, pelas diferentes proporções entre as estruturas morfológicas da cabeça e dos segmentos do rostro; ainda, na genitália masculina, pelo aspecto do processo mediano do pigóforo, do falosoma e de seu processo. A new species of Rhodnius is described and illustrated from a male specimen from northeastern Brazil. The specimen was found died and dried. This species can be distinguished from its similar congener R. paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles by the greater size, the general aspect of the color of the body, by the uniform color of the legs, different proportions between the morphological structures of the head and the segments of the rostrum; also, in the male genitalia by the aspect of median process of pygophore, dorsal phallotheca plate and phallotheca process.

Os autores utilizaram a técnica de precipitina para identificar as fontes alimentares de Panstrongylus lutzi (Neiva & Pinto, 1923) em 20 municípios do Estado do Ceará, Brasil. Os resultados detectaram a presença de sangue de oito diferentes fontes sanguíneas e alimentações mistas, demonstrando que Panstrongylus lutzi é uma espécie eclética. Altas taxas de infecção por tripanosomatídeos foram detectadas. The authors used precipitin technique to detect the feeding sources of Panstrongylus lutzi (Neiva & Pinto, 1923) in 20 municipalities of Ceará State, Brazil. The results detected the presence of blood from eight different blood sources and mixed feedings, demonstrating that Panstrongylus lutzi is an eclectic species. High infection rates for Trypanosoma like-cruzi were detected.

Os autores utilizaram a técnica de precipitina para identificar as fontes alimentares de Panstrongylus lutzi (Neiva & Pinto, 1923) em 20 municípios do Estado do Ceará, Brasil. Os resultados detectaram a presença de sangue de oito diferentes fontes sanguíneas e alimentações mistas, demonstrando que Panstrongylus lutzi é uma espécie eclética. Altas taxas de infecção por tripanosomatídeos foram detectadas.

For the first time all instars of a species of the genus Belminus are described based on laboratory F1 generation specimens from adults caught in department of Cesar, Colombia. Ontogenetic morphometrics of postembryonic head development was made, suggesting that the greatest changes occur between the 1st and 2nd instars. Pela primeira vez todos estádios ninfais de uma espécie do gênero Belminus são descritos, baseados em espécimes da primeira geração obtida em laboratório a partir de adultos capturados em domicílios do Departamento de Cesar, Colômbia. A morfometria geométrica das cabeças sugere que as maiores mudanças no desenvolvimento pós-embrionário ocorrem entre o 1º e o 2º ínstares.

R. brethesi is a sylvatic species from the Amazon region; it has been incriminated as responsible for the transmission of Chagas disease in collectors of piaçaba in this region. The aim of present study was to investigate the efficiency of these insects as potential vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi. Aspects related with feeding and defecation patterns, life time, and mortality had been observed in each instar of R. brethesi. We use 5th instar nymphs to get adults virgins, after the moulting 3 groups with 6 females and 2 males each were created to obtain eggs. After hatching, 1st instar nymphs had been weighed and kept in bottles until the next moult. Insects were fed once a week in mice. Results showed that the average period of incubation was 17 days, the number of blood meal was increasing from the 1st to the 5th instar nymph with 7 (average) to become adult, a significative numbers of the defecations occurring immediately after the bloodmeals. The total percentual of mortality was 16%. This results suggests that this species presents a good exploitation of blood meals and a brief nymphal development in laboratory conditions reflecting its behavior in sylvatic environments.

There are several specific complexes belonging to the genus Triatoma Laporte, 1832, which are generally associated to specific geographic areas. Recent publications have linked the oliveirai complex to ecosystems of Mato Grosso, which are also present in other Brazilian states and even in other bordering countries as eastern Paraguay. The study of the abundant material collected during the last years allowed the description of several new species of the oliveirai complex: T. jurbergi Carcavallo, Galvão Lent, 1998; T. baratai Carcavallo Jurberg, 2000 and T. klugi Carcavallo, Jurberg, Lent Galvão, 2001. Another new species belonging to the same complex is described here as T. vandae sp.n. It originates from the state of Mato Grosso, and has been reared in the insectary of the Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos, Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro.

There are several specific complexes belonging to the genus Triatoma Laporte, 1832, which are generally associated to specific geographic areas. Recent publications have linked the oliveirai complex to ecosystems of Mato Grosso, which are also present in other Brazilian states and even in other bordering countries as eastern Paraguay. The study of the abundant material collected during the last years allowed the description of several new species of the oliveirai complex: T. jurbergi Carcavallo, Galvão & Lent, 1998; T. baratai Carcavallo & Jurberg, 2000 and T. klugi Carcavallo, Jurberg, Lent & Galvão, 2001. Another new species belonging to the same complex is described here as T. vandae sp.n. It originates from the state of Mato Grosso, and has been reared in the insectary of the Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos, Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro.

A distribuição geográfica de Triatoma deaneorum Galvão, Souza & Lima, 1967, nova denominação para Triatoma deanei, é ampliada baseada em um espécime recentemente encontrado no município de Chapada de Guimarães, próximo a Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil. A nova denominação é baseada no Código Internacional de Nomenclatura Zoológica. Authors extend the geographical distribution of Triatoma deaneorum Galvão, Souza & Lima, 1967, new designation for Triatoma deanei, based on a specimen recently found in Chapada dos Guimarães, near to Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The new designation is based on the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

The authors observed the feeding and defecation times of the nymphs of T. melanosoma Martínez, Olmedo & Carcavallo, 1987. Two groups were studied, one maintained under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, and the other under ambient conditions. There was no significant difference in the number of bloodmeals accomplished by the nymphs of the two groups. Until the fourth instar the nymphs needed less than two bloodmeals to reach the subsequent instar, and only in the fifth instar did they require more than three bloodmeals to reach adulthood. This species demonstrated great avidity to feed; in about 70% of the observed cases the insects initiated feeding in less than one minute. Full engorgement was also reached quickly; more than 70% of the bloodmeals lasted for 5 to 15 minutes. In the first three instars more than 70% of defecation was observed immediately after feeding, demonstrating a good vectorial potential. The differences in the conditions under which the insects were maintained, were insufficient to cause a significant difference in the results observed between the two groups studied.

Rhodnius pictipes Stal, 1872 is a silvatic species with a widespread distribution in South America, found in nine Brazilian states, naturally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi and T. rangeli. The individual rearing of this species under laboratory conditions, allowed the following biological aspects to be observed: incubation time, search for first meal after eclosion or moult, time - lapse between presentation of the blood meal and the beginning of feeding, duration of blood meal, time and place of defecation, number of blood meals, duration of each instar and adult longevity, and time required from egg to adult.

Galvão, Cleber, Carcavallo, Rodolfo, Rocha, Dayse Da Silva, José (2003): A checklist of the current valid species of the subfamily Triatominae Jeannel, 1919 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) and their geographical distribution, with nomenclatural and taxonomic notes. Zootaxa 202: 1-36, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.156184