Rhodnius

Rhodnius is a genus of blood-feeding insects in the subfamily Triatominae, family Reduviidae, order Hemiptera. They are hematophagous bugs commonly known as kissing bugs or cone-nosed bugs, and they are important vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The genus comprises multiple species distributed mainly in the Americas, from northern South America to Central America and parts of the Caribbean, inhabiting tropical and subtropical environments.

Species occupy a range of habitats, including palm trees, savannas, forests, and peridomestic settings; some enter human dwellings during at least part of their life cycle.

Rhodnius species feed at night on vertebrate hosts, including humans, and transmit T. cruzi primarily through the feces deposited near the bite site after feeding; when scratching the bite, parasites can enter the host. Not all Rhodnius species are competent vectors, and transmission dynamics depend on parasite strains, vector behavior, and ecological context. The best-known species include Rhodnius prolixus, a major domestic and peridomestic vector in parts of Central and South America; Rhodnius pictipes, Rhodnius pallescens, and Rhodnius nasutus, among others.

In research, Rhodnius prolixus has been extensively studied: it is a laboratory model for triatomine biology, physiology, and vector-pathogen interactions; its genome has been sequenced, aiding studies on feeding biology, gut microbiota, and immune responses.

Control of Rhodnius species in endemic areas relies on housing improvements, insecticide spraying, and environmental management to reduce contact with human populations.