RESEARCH NOTE - The occurrence of Rhodnius prolixus Stal, 1859, naturally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

Rhodnius prolixus, one of the most important vector of Chagas' disease in Venezuela, was basically considered in this country as related to the domiciliar transmission cycle. In the sylvatic environment it was observed that this species was mainly adapted to palm tree crowns and nests of Mycteria americana. R. prolixus is a very eclectic species feeding on marsupials, rats, birds and reptilians. Moreover, it is agreed that the adaptation of R. prolixus to human dwellings was a consequence of human colonization of the natural foci of Trypanosoma cruzi.