Flight activity of Triatoma sordida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in laboratory conditions.

Abstract

Triatoma sordida (Stal 1859) is an indigenous species frequently involved in reinfestation cases. In Brazil, it is the most frequently captured species in peridomestic environments. Despite being classified as a sylvatic species, it exhibits significant mobility between sylvatic and peridomestic environments. Its significant dispersal capacity increases its relevance as a vector of Chagas disease, making the elimination of the vector from domestic environments a challenge. The study aimed to evaluate the flight activity of T. sordida under laboratory conditions. A total of 54 specimens were marked and monitored to observe flight activity, weight variations, and lifespan. More than half of the T. sordida specimens were able to fly. Both sexes began flying at an average of approximately 13 days, with females engaging in more flights than males. Studies of flight activity under laboratory conditions are useful to understanding flight behavior and the dynamics involved in the species' dispersal.