Differences in Climbing Ability of Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).
The climbing abilities of two bed bug species, Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus (F.), were determined by evaluating their escape rates from smooth surface pitfall traps using four commercial bed bug monitors (Verifi Bed Bug Detector, ClimbUp Insect Interceptor, BlackOut Bed Bug Detector, and SenSci Volcano Bed Bug Detector). All detectors were used in the absence of lures or attractants. Unlike C. lectularius, adult C. hemipterus were able to escape from all traps. On the other hand, no or a low number nymphs of both species escaped, depending on the evaluated traps. Examination of the vertical friction force of adults of both species revealed a higher vertical friction force in C. hemipterus than in C. lectularius. Scanning electron microscope micrograph observation on the tibial pad of adult bed bugs of C. hemipterus showed the presence of a greater number of tenent hairs on the tibial pad than on that of adult C. lectularius. No tibial pad was found on the fourth and fifth instars of both species. Near the base of the hollow tenent hairs is a glandular epithelium that is better developed in adult C. hemipterus than in adult C. lectularius. This study highlights significant morphological differences between C. lectularius and C. hemipterus, which may have implications in the monitoring and management of bed bug infestations.
Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia (bedbugskr@gmail.com; chowyang@usm.my).
Dae-Yun
DY
Kim
KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59, Box 2466, Leuven B-3000, Belgium (johan.billen@kuleuven.be).
Johan
J
Billen
Department of Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia (stephen.doggett@health.nsw.gov.au).
Stephen L
SL
Doggett
Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia ( bedbugskr@gmail.com ; chowyang@usm.my ).|Corresponding author, e-mail: chowyang@usm.my.
Chow-Yang
CY
Lee
D000818:Animals; D001511:Bedbugs / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005121:Extremities / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D007300:Insect Control; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009043:Motor Activity; D009758:Nymph / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013045:Species Specificity
bed bug; climbing; pitfall trap; tenent hair; vertical friction force