Triatoma
Triatoma is a genus of blood-feeding insects in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as kissing bugs or cone-nosed bugs. Members are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease in humans and other mammals.
They are native to the Americas, from the southern United States to Argentina, with several species living
Triatomines are hemimetabolous insects with eggs laid in batches, followed by five nymphal instars before reaching
Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi occurs primarily when parasite-containing feces are deposited on the skin or mucous
Public health importance: Chagas disease can have an acute phase with fever and malaise, followed by chronic
Taxonomy and notes: Triatoma comprises many species; some major vectors include Triatoma infestans, Triatoma dimidiata, and