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 in and around human dwellings. Domestic and peridomestic species inhabit cracks, thatched roofs, wall crevices, and animal nests, and may invade sleeping areas.

Triatomines are hemimetabolous insects with eggs laid in batches, followed by five nymphal instars before reaching adulthood. They are primarily nocturnal blood feeders, attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, feeding on humans and a range of vertebrates. They often defecate during or after biting.

Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi occurs primarily when parasite-containing feces are deposited on the skin or mucous membranes and enter through the bite wound or other openings. Other routes include congenital transmission, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and oral ingestion of contaminated food.

Public health importance: Chagas disease can have an acute phase with fever and malaise, followed by chronic cardiac or gastrointestinal manifestations in some individuals. Control focuses on reducing indoor bug populations via targeted insecticides, improving housing, and peridomestic environment management.

Taxonomy and notes: Triatoma comprises many species; some major vectors include Triatoma infestans, Triatoma dimidiata, and Triatoma sanguisuga, though species distributions vary by region. Identification typically requires morphological examination or genetic methods.