Estudio de parámetros reproductivos y supervivencia en Rhodnius prolixus y Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) alimentados con dos fuentes sanguíneas en condiciones de laboratorio | Study of the reproductive and survival parameters in Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) fed on two blood sources under laboratory conditions

The study of reproductive and survival parameters of Triatomines, vectors of the etiological agent of Chagas disease, allows to know the dynamics of factors that regulate population density and, therefore, their capacity as vectors. In this work the reproductive and survival parameters were analyzed of Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma maculata, which are the primary and secondary vectors, respectively, of Chagas disease in Venezuela, fed on hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) or rats (Rattus norvegicus Bio: Wistar). The adults were formed into pairs in individual vials and divided into two groups per species that were fed ad libitum during first feeding and then two feeding offers were made every 15 days. Oviposition, fecundity, fertility and mortality were recorded daily and individually. In T. maculata, fed on hen or rat, no statistically significant differences were found in reproductive parameters or longevity; while in R. prolixus, statistically significant differences were found when comparing insects fed on hens or rats with respect to fecundity, longevity and first oviposition. Comparisons between species, for both diets, showed differences regarding fecundity, longevity and first oviposition, being higher in R. prolixus. In the latter, the values of fertility and longevity were more affected, being superior to those of T. maculata with both types of feeds, which accounts for the greater reproductive success and survival of R. prolixus and is consistent with the fact that it is the main vector of T. cruzi in northern South America