Field tests of carbon dioxide and conspecifics as baits for Mepraia spinolai, wild vector of Chagas disease.
In spite of extensive evidence showing an association between host stimuli and insect finding behaviour, the importance of carbon dioxide in attracting Triatominae is not entirely understood. We assessed the potential of conspecific individuals and CO2 in attracting free-ranging individuals of Mepraia spinolai in a Chilean semiarid locality. While the presence of conspecific individuals had no effect on the triatomine behaviour, solid CO2-baited traps were more effective in attracting M. spinolai than control (empty) traps. We conclude that CO2 trapping is an effective field technique for M. spinolai detection and potential control.
Botto-Mahan
Carezza
C
Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile. cbottoma@icaro.dic.uchile.cl
Cattan
Pedro E
PE
Canals
Mauricio
M
D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D002677:Chile; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D034982:Integration Host Factors; D014225:Triatominae
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D034982:Integration Host Factors; D002245:Carbon Dioxide