Abstract

An investigation into the environmental and ethological factors relating to summer flights of Triatoma protracta protracta (Uhler) was performed utilizing black light traps of original design. Field observations were conducted on 51 evenings during the period June 1 to October 31, 1964. The traps were operated on a surveillance basis for the remainder of a twelve month period.

A total of 398 adult Triatoma protracta were collected in traps around a residence located in the chaparral covered foothills 10 miles east of Redlands, California. In addition to observations on field behavior, laboratory dissections were performed on each bug to obtain basic physiological data. The following information was obtained: flight activity for the year, May 26, 1964 to May 26, 1965; was confined to the period June 17 to October 21, 1964; 63 percent of 219 Triatoma protracta collected on observation evenings were taken within 30 minutes after zero foot-candle of light intensity, 100 per cent were collected within one hour and 45 minutes; flights [occured] within the temperature range of 67° F.-84° F. without apparent regard to the percent relative humidity; strong winds curtailed flights, the presence and direction of light evening breezes had no noticeable influence; the effect of rainfall, and the various phases of the moon on flights appeared negligible; of 398 T. protracta collected 170 were females and 228 were males, adults collected were in a condition of starvation as indicated by the size of the mid-gut, weights taken before and after feeding and the state of female fecundity; 100 per cent of 154 females were fertilized; 15.2 per cent of 355 adult T. protracta examined for Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, were positive.

Data received indicate that flights of Triatoma protracta occur when starved Triatoma protracta bugs become stimulated by periods of above average summer temperatures. The use of black light traps affords a potentially inexpensive means of reducing T. protracta annoyance to foothill residents.

LLU Discipline

Microbiology

Department

Microbiology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Raymond E. Ryckman

Second Advisor

Charles E. Winter

Third Advisor

Edward D. Wagner

Fourth Advisor

Gayle H. Nelson

Fifth Advisor

Earl Lathrop

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1965

Date (Title Page)

6-1965

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Triatominae; Hemiptera

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vi; 32

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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