Triatoma gerstaeckeri

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Triatoma gerstaeckeri: //ˌtraɪəˈtoʊmə ˌɡɛərˈstɛkəri//

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Summary

Triatoma gerstaeckeri is an assassin bug that serves as an important vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease. It is primarily located in the southwestern U.S. and northeastern Mexico, thriving in dry, vegetative habitats. The life cycle includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult, and the bug is recognized for its distinctive physical characteristics and role in disease transmission.

Physical Characteristics

T. gerstaeckeri is between 20 and 30 mm long when fully developed. It is all black except for yellow horizontal lines outside of the pronotum. The tip of its mouthparts have hairs, while the rest do not. It has long, narrow legs and a flat head. The first segment of its antennae is shorter than the clypeus. T. gerstaeckeri has tubercles on its sides and a very wrinkly round posterior. The black forewings cover the abdomen, and the base of these forewings is yellowish-orange.

Habitat

T. gerstaeckeri is mostly found in the dry climates of northern Mexico, southern/central Texas, and New Mexico with scrubby vegetation. In Texas, 63% of identified T. gerstaeckeri were near houses.

Distribution

South-western United States (New Mexico, Texas) to north-eastern Mexico.

Life Cycle

T. gerstaeckeri undergoes gradual metamorphosis (paurometabolous development) with three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The life cycle lasts nine to fourteen months.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs throughout their life, with eggs being white when laid and turning light pink shortly after. The average development time from egg through fifth instar at 27 degrees Celsius is 213.9 days.

Ecosystem Role

T. gerstaeckeri is a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, causing Chagas disease, and is a reservoir for the parasite.

Economic Impact

The spread of T. gerstaeckeri can lead to Chagas disease, with significant public health implications and around 56,000 new incidents each year in the Western Hemisphere.

Health Concerns

As a vector of T. cruzi, T. gerstaeckeri is associated with Chagas disease, which has no vaccine and can lead to severe health consequences.

Misconceptions

Chagas disease is not transmitted directly by biting but rather through feces after feeding.

Tags

• Chagas disease
• Triatoma
• Insects
• Hemiptera
• Vector
• Southwestern US
• Mexico