The development of Panstrongylus herreri under fluctuating environmental conditions.

INTRODUCTION

Panstrongylus herreri is a main Chagas disease vector, and its success as a vector stems from its ability to establish domiciliated colonies; we aimed to explore its biology and reproduction.

METHODS

The average amount of blood ingested and the time from the beginning of a blood meal to the production of feces were recorded.

RESULTS

Females exhibited a higher blood ingestion rate than males, but similar defecation times and frequencies were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the detected decrease in oviposition rates, P. herreri's potential as a Chagas disease vector in environments other than the Amazon forest cannot be discounted.