Ecological aspects of South American trypanosomiasis: V. research on spontaneous sylvatic triatomids colonization in artificial ecotopes with special reference to Triatoma sordida

Abstract

Attempts to detect artificial ecotopes invasion by sylvatic triatomids bugs are related. Experimental chickenhouses were built. Inside areas with natural populations of Triatoma sordida and T. arthurneivai. Invasive action of both triatomids was observed but only T. sordida colonized spontaneously in a definitive manner. Colonies of this bug showed great stability with the presence of the sylvatic population. This one was detected by the use of resting traps for atracting bugs. These was represented by simple hiding-place made with two forty centimeters length and ten width jointed boards, placed at several situations, manly on trees stemps. The probably limiting factors of competitive populations as predator reduvids, was confirmed with these observations. It seems that the alteration of natural ambient is quite favorable for Triatoma sordida. So, the possibility of increasing human dwellings infestation by this bug is considered.