A simple apparatus for the artificial feeding ofRhodnius prolixus(Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Abstract

1. A simple apparatus for feeding all stages ofRhodnius prolixusthrough a rubber membrane is described.2. Observations have been made on the behaviour ofRhodniusduring feeding, and on the effect of different diets on the insect.3.Rhodniushas been shown to feed and grow successfully on freshly drawn rat and horse blood, and on whipped ox blood. Horse serum was readily taken and showed no effect on the development of the bugs until after the third stage, when they either failed to moult or emerged deformed.Ringer's solution, aqueous solutions of ‘Marmite’ and cow's milk provided good feeds, though caused mortality after 24 hr. Stored oxalated blood killed bugs 21 days after feeding. No feeding took place when diets of water, glycine and ascorbic acid were offered.