Aggregation behaviour and interspecific responses in Rhodnius prolixus stål

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2002 Jun;97(4):569-71. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762002000400022.

Abstract

The response to intra- and interspecific faecal assembling signals was tested in Rhodnius prolixus. Papers impregnated with excrement of R. prolixus induced the aggregation of larvae of this species, but also of those of Triatoma infestans. However, faeces belonging to T. infestans were not able to assemble larvae of R. prolixus. On the other hand, there was no response of R. prolixus to putative chemical factors from their cuticle (footprints), in contrast to T. infestans. Results are discussed as related to the ecology of both species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Communication*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Pheromones / physiology*
  • Rhodnius / physiology*
  • Species Specificity
  • Triatoma / physiology*

Substances

  • Pheromones