Feeding through artificial membranes reduces fecundity for females of the blood-feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus.

摘要: The blood-feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus, has been raised in the laboratory for close to 100 years. Various feeding techniques have employed ranging from use of warm-blooded hosts, previously collected blood offered through artificial membranes. This study compared fecundity mated and unmated females fed rabbit directly shaved belly a that defibrinated an membrane. These results confirm previous reports this insect's efficacy is reduced using It also demonstrates first time index, which measures efficiency turning meal into eggs, significantly reduced. We suggest natural on host may provide cues short-term effect enhancing act long-term increasing egg production efficiency. Until method does not interfere with devised, experiments reproduction R. prolixus warrant emulate its setting. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.