Biology of Triatoma pseudomaculata Correa & Espinola, 1964, under laboratory conditions (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

Observations were made on the evolutive cycle of Triatoma pseudomaculata, held under laboratory conditions, fed weekly on bird (pigeon). Of 60 eggs obtained, only 34 nymphs reached the adult stage in a period of X super(-)(S)=398 plus or minus 76 days. The following parameters were observed: the time immature stages took to develop from egg to adult emergence; the occurrence of the first meal; the time-lapse between the presenting of the blood-meal and the beginning of feeding; time of feeding; amount of blood ingested; variation of weight 24 hr after the blood-meal and until the next blood-meal; and the defecation pattern. The experiment was carried out for 20 months, held in BOD incubator with the average of temperature and humidity of 28 plus or minus 1 degree C and 80 plus or minus 5% RU, respectively.