Triatomine Bug

Subfamily Triatominae – around 130 species

Appearance

Image of Triatomine Bug
  • Similar to bed bugs, but generally much larger (up to 2cm for an adult). Body is very thin and flattened unless it has recently fed, in which case it will have a large abdomen swollen with blood. Elongated head, with long antennae and proboscis for feeding on blood.

Lifecycle

  • These bugs show incomplete metamorphosis – developing from an egg through 5 nymphal stages to an adult. The nymphal stages resemble smaller versions of the adult, but lack the wings. The total lifecycle can vary from 4-24 months, depending on species and climate.

Habits

  • Haematophagous – feeds on human or animal blood.
  • Associated with the spread of the protozoan parasites responsible for Chagas Disease.
  • Prefers to feed on the face and often defecates straight after feeding.
  • Feeding may take up to 25 minutes.
  • The disease is spread by scratching the bites which are contaminated with faecal matter.
  • Hides in dark crevices near the host during day time – feeds at night.