RESISTANCE TO STARVATION OF TRIATOMA-RUBROFASCIATA (DEGEER, 1773) UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS (HEMIPTERA, REDUVIIDAE, TRIATOMINAE)

The present work aims at learning the period of resistance to starvati on (molting/death) of Triatoma rubrofasciata in different stages of de velopment and the respective loss of weight until death. Eggs of speci mens from the greater area of the city of Sao Luis in the State of Mar anhao, Brazil, yielded approximately 300 nymphs. These nymphs were pla ced in labelled Borrel glasses, in which they were weekly fed on rats (Rattus norvegicus), until reaching the stage to be observed. The expe riments were conducted in a climatic chamber regulated at 29 +/- 1 deg rees C, 70% relative humidity and 12 hr photoperiod. The resistance to starvation increased according to the stage of development, except fo r adult bugs, whose results were similar to the 3rd stage nymphs. In a ll these development stages there was an abrupt loss of weight in the first week, followed by a gradual loss until death. Comparing this wor k with those of other authors, it was observed that T, rubrofasciata i s among the less resistant triatomine species.