Characterization of Triatoma guasayana biotopes in a hardwood forest of Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Triatoma guasayana is a silvatic triatomine species distributed in Argentin a. Bolivia and Paraguay, The study was performed in a secondary forest of S antiago del Estero, Argentina. The abundance of T. guasayana was evaluated by census in the following wild biotopes: quimiles (Opuntia quimilo), chagu ares (dry bromeliads). logs and underground burrows. Ten biotopes of each t ype were dismantled in winter (August) and another 40 in summer (January), all fauna was recorded. The biotopes most infested by T. guasayana were qui miles (65%), followed by chaguares (55%), and logs (25%). Quimiles and chag uares were infested in both seasons, whereas logs were positive only in sum mer and burrows were never infested infestation and abundance were higher i n summer than in winter. The biotope structure is a key factor for T. guasa yana colonization. The larger number of refuges, the constant presence of b lood sources and suitable inner microclimatic conditions offered by quimile s may favour the persistence of T. guasayana colonies. The richness of inve rtebrate fauna per type of biotope was ranked in the same order as that of T. guasayana, suggesting similar microhabitat requirements for all studied arthropods.