Techniques for routine and large-scale rearing ofRhodnius prolixusStål (Hem., Reduviidae)
- 1 February 1972
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Bulletin of Entomological Research
- Vol. 61 (3), 505-515
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007485300047350
Abstract
An improved technique for small-scale rearing ofRhodnius prolixusStal on rabbits is described. For feeding, the bugs are presented in tubes closed with silk to the shaved stomachs of rabbits; between feeds the bugs are held in 1-lb glass jars at 28°C. Large-scale rearing by this method was precluded by the amount of handling required. Feeding on defibrinated blood resulted in a survival rate to the adult stage of less than 10%, but sheep on which up to 6 600 fourth instar could be fed weekly proved satisfactory hosts, although they had to be replaced after 1–9 weeks as they developed a resistance which prevented the bugs feeding. A large-scale rearing technique is described in which instars 2–5 are presented to sheep in wire cages covered with nylon netting while instar 1 and adults are fed on rabbits; between feeds the bugs are housed in 3½–7-lb glass jars or in net-covered cages. A production of 4 000 fed fourth instar or larger bugs per week for 18 months was achieved, sometimes reaching 7 000 per week.Keywords
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