Stridulatory sound emission of Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus Champion, 1899, (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

M Reyes-Lugo,A Avilán,Z Díaz-Bello,T Abate

doi:10.1590/s1519-69842006000300009

M Reyes-Lugo, A Avilán + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1519-69842006000300009

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Abstract

This study contains the first report of stridulatory sound observed in Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus Champion, 1899, and also a new record of this species in Venezuela. The conditions in which stridulation occurred are described, as well as the general environmental characteristics of the localities where it was found. This triatomine only performs the sound in conditions of extreme provocation.

Highlights

Stridulation occurs widely in Heteroptera, involving many different parts of the body and varying with the species (Chapman, 1998)
In the case of Triatominae, it has been established that such emissions are part of the intraspecific communication mechanisms (Schofield, 1977); for example, females that are nonreceptive to T. infestans Klug, 1834 or R. prolixus Stal, 1859 use sound to reject males (Manrique & Lazzari, 1994; Manrique & Schilman, 2000)
When the live specimen of P. rufotuberculatus was held with a pincer by the thorax in a ventral position in order to extract a sample of faeces with a view to detecting the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the insect emitted a sound similar to that produced by sandpaper scraping wood

Summary

Introduction

Stridulation occurs widely in Heteroptera, involving many different parts of the body and varying with the species (Chapman, 1998). In Reduviidae, (Hemiptera) the stridulatory system consists of a file of sulcus in the prosternum, with the tip of the rostrum forming the scraper. Stridulatory sulcus, the general shape, pilosity, the cuticular structure and the edges, as well as certain characteristics of the parallel groves, can be used for taxonomic purposes (Carcavallo et al, 1998). In the case of Triatominae, it has been established that such emissions are part of the intraspecific communication mechanisms (Schofield, 1977); for example, females that are nonreceptive to T. infestans Klug, 1834 or R. prolixus Stal, 1859 use sound to reject males (Manrique & Lazzari, 1994; Manrique & Schilman, 2000). The stridulation may act as a mechanism for repelling potential predators (Leston, 1957), defensive behaviour or recognition between sex, for example in R. prolixus can indicated female reject males or defensive.

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