Yeast culture volatiles as attractants for Rhodnius prolixus: electroantennogram responses and captures in yeast-baited traps

Responses to air currents carrying volatiles from yeast cultures were measu red by means of electroantennograms (EAGs) in the haematophagous bug Rhodni us prolixus and we tested yeast-baited traps in the laboratory. The volatil es liberated by yeast cultures generated a clear electrophysiological respo nse, much higher than that obtained during stimulation with clean air. The addition of yeast cultures to the traps dramatically increased overnight ca pture. A modification performed on the traps was effective for this species , as the bugs were immobilised once they fell into the device. Our results demonstrate that yeast culture volatiles are attractive for R. prolixus. Th e results obtained by means of electroantennogram techniques represent the first electrophysiological evidence of the perception of yeast volatiles by the antennae of a triatomine bug. We discuss the relevance of our results in view of currently used sampling techniques and control strategies. (C) 1 999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.