Substrate texture properties induce triatomine probing on bitten warm surfaces

BACKGROUND: In this work we initially evaluated whether the biting process of Rhodnius prolixus relies on the detection of mechanical properties of the substrate. A linear thermal source was used to simulate the presence of a blood vessel under the skin of a host. This apparatus consisted of an alum...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Parasites & vectors 2011-06, Vol.4 (1), p.111-111, Article 111
Main Authors: Ferreira, Raquel A, Pereira, Marcos H, Lorenzo, Marcelo G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
aluminum
Animals
antennae
blood
Entomology - methods
Feeding Behavior
Insect Bites and Stings
insects
latex
Mechanical properties
Plates, Aluminum
Rhodnius - physiology
Rhodnius prolixus
Surface Properties
Temperature
texture
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Summary:BACKGROUND: In this work we initially evaluated whether the biting process of Rhodnius prolixus relies on the detection of mechanical properties of the substrate. A linear thermal source was used to simulate the presence of a blood vessel under the skin of a host. This apparatus consisted of an aluminium plate and a nickel-chrome wire, both thermostatized and presented at 33 and 36°C, respectively. To evaluate whether mechanical properties of the substrate affect the biting behaviour of bugs, this apparatus was covered by a latex membrane. Additionally, we evaluated whether the expression of probing depends on the integration of bilateral thermal inputs from the antennae. RESULTS: The presence of a latex cover on a thermal source induced a change in the biting pattern shown by bugs. In fact, with latex covered sources it was possible to observe long bites that were never performed in response to warm metal surfaces. The total number of bites was higher in intact versus unilaterally antennectomized insects. These bites were significantly longer in intact than in unilaterally antennectomized insects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that substrate recognition by simultaneous input through thermal and mechanical modalities is required for triggering maxillary probing activity.
ISSN:1756-3305
1756-3305
DOI:10.1186/1756-3305-4-111