Influence of the temperature in the life cycle of Triatoma melanosoma Martinez, Olmedo & Carcavallo, 1987 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Authors studied the temperature influence in the life cycle of Triatoma mel anosoma Martinet, Olmedo & Carcavallo, 1987. Two study groups were used, on e was maintained at temperatures of 28 +/- 1 degrees C and 80 +/- 5% RH, wi th a photophase of 12 hr, the other was kept at environmental temperature, daily recorded, and a RH varying from 70 to 90%. After hatching, insects we re fed once a week on pigeons. Results were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test, showing that a mean increase of 2 degrees C was suficient for a signi ficant acceleration of the embryonic development. Comparing nymphal stages of both groups, no significant differences were found, except in the second instar nymphs.