Blood-feeding
Guides
Tabanus gracilis
Tabanus gracilis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Wiedemann in 1828. The species name "gracilis" (Latin for slender or graceful) suggests a relatively slender body form compared to other Tabanus species. Like other horse flies, females are presumed to be blood-feeders on mammals, while males feed on nectar and pollen. The species is poorly documented in modern literature, with minimal specific biological or ecological information available beyond taxonomic records.
Tabanus sackeni
Tabanus sackeni is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Fairchild in 1934. Males and females exhibit distinct activity patterns: males are primarily collected at UV-light traps just before sunrise, while females show crepuscular host-seeking peaks and are caught in Malaise traps in the evening. Females frequently have large crop volumes after blood-feeding, and many dipping females are gravid. The species occurs in Canada and the United States.
Triatoma gerstaeckeri
kissing bug, blood-sucking conenose
Triatoma gerstaeckeri is a triatomine bug (subfamily Triatominae) and a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length. The species occurs from the southwestern United States (New Mexico, Texas) through northeastern Mexico, occupying dry scrubland habitats with strong associations to woodrat (Neotoma) nests. It exhibits paurometabolous development with five nymphal instars before adulthood. The species is notable for its relatively high T. cruzi infection rates in some populations and its propensity for peridomestic occurrence near human habitation.
Triatoma indictiva
kissing bug
Triatoma indictiva is a blood-sucking assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as a "kissing bug." It is a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, particularly Arizona and Texas. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and are characterized by a pear-shaped body, black coloration with red lateral markings, and a tapered proboscis. Like other triatomines, it is primarily associated with vertebrate hosts in natural and peridomestic habitats.
Triatoma neotomae
kissing bug, woodrat bug
Triatoma neotomae is a species of kissing bug (subfamily Triatominae) in the assassin bug family Reduviidae. It is the smallest Triatoma species in the United States, found in south Texas and associated with woodrat (Neotoma) nests. Like other triatomines, it is a blood-feeding insect and a potential vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Triatoma protracta
western bloodsucking conenose
Triatoma protracta is a blood-feeding assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as the western bloodsucking conenose. Native to western North America, it serves as a vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causing Chagas disease, though its vector efficiency is considered secondary to some congeners due to its relatively long development time and defecation behavior. The species is primarily associated with woodrat (Neotoma) nests and occasionally invades human dwellings, where it may bite and cause allergic reactions. Laboratory studies indicate egg-to-adult development averages 6.7 months with 72.5% egg eclosion rates.
Triatoma recurva
kissing bug, blood-sucking conenose
Triatoma recurva is a kissing bug (Triatominae) native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is a blood-feeding assassin bug that serves as a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease. The species has been documented from its natural host, the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus), and is found in domestic and peri-domestic environments. Laboratory studies indicate slower development and higher feeding requirements compared to related species, with egg-to-adult development exceeding 8.5 months.
Triatoma sanguisuga
Eastern Bloodsucking Conenose, Mexican Bed Bug, Kissing Bug
Triatoma sanguisuga is a blood-feeding assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as the eastern bloodsucking conenose or kissing bug. It is the most widespread triatomine species in the United States and serves as a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Unlike highly efficient South American vectors such as Triatoma infestans, T. sanguisuga typically defecates after feeding rather than during, reducing but not eliminating transmission risk to humans. The species has been implicated in documented autochthonous human Chagas disease cases in the United States.