Abstract
The role of olfactory cues such as carbon dioxide, pheromones, and kairomones in bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. behavior has been demonstrated. However, the role of vision and mechanoreception in bed bug behavior is poorly understood. We investigated bed bug vision by determining their responses to different colors, vertical objects, and their ability to detect colors and vertical objects under low and complete dark conditions. Results show black and red paper harborages are preferred compared to yellow, green, blue, and white harborages. A bed bug trapping device with a black or red exterior surface was significantly more attractive to bed bugs than that with a white exterior surface. Bed bugs exhibited strong orientation behavior toward vertical objects. The height (15 vs. 30 cm tall) and color (brown vs. black) of the vertical object had no significant effect on orientation behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs could differentiate color and detect vertical objects at very low background light conditions, but not in complete darkness. Bed bug preference to different substrate textures (mechanoreception) was also explored. Bed bugs preferred dyed tape compared to painted tape, textured painted plastic, and felt. These results revealed that substrate color, presence of vertical objects, and substrate texture affect host-seeking and harborage-searching behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs may use a combination of vision, mechanoreception, and chemoreception to locate hosts and seek harborages.
Highlights
Behaviors during host finding in haematophagous insects are typically dominated by responses to visual, thermal, and olfactory cues [1], [2]
Color vision tends to move towards ultraviolet, and most are generally considered essentially blind to red color [13]
Our studies revealed some interesting aspects of bed bug orientation behavior
Summary
Behaviors during host finding in haematophagous insects are typically dominated by responses to visual, thermal, and olfactory cues [1], [2]. These multimodal sensory cues improve their chances of host finding [2]. Most insects have three types of spectral photoreceptors with peak sensitivities in the ultraviolet (350 nm), blue (440 nm), and green (530 nm) part of the spectrum [13]; photoreceptors sensitive to red (600 nm) have been reported in the Odonata, the Hymenoptera, the Lepidoptera, and the Coleoptera [14].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
