Triatominae facts for kids

Triatominae is a group of insects often called kissing bugs, conenose bugs, or assassin bugs. They are a special type of assassin bug. There are more than 130 different kinds, or species, of these bugs. Most of them like to feed on the blood of vertebrates, which are animals with backbones like humans, birds, and mammals. A few species eat other invertebrates, which are animals without backbones, like other insects. You can find most kissing bugs in the Americas. Some species also live in Asia, Australia, and Africa.

Some kissing bugs can carry a tiny parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite causes a sickness called Chagas disease. However, only certain species, like Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius prolixus, are important because they live very close to humans. These bugs act as a vector, meaning they can pass the parasite from one living thing to another.

What Are Kissing Bugs?

Kissing bugs are part of a larger family of insects called Reduviidae. They get their common name "kissing bug" because they often bite people around the face, especially near the lips, while they are sleeping. This is because they are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out.

Where Do Kissing Bugs Live?

These bugs are mostly found in warm parts of the world. Their main home is in North, Central, and South America. They can live in many different places, from forests to homes. Some species are also found in parts of Asia, Australia, and Africa.

What Do Kissing Bugs Eat?

Most kissing bugs are blood-feeders. They use a special mouthpart, like a straw, to suck blood from animals. They can feed on many different animals, including:

• Humans
• Dogs
• Cats
• Birds
• Rodents
• Other mammals

They usually feed at night when their hosts are asleep.

Kissing Bugs and Health

Some species of kissing bugs can carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease. It is important to know that not all kissing bugs carry this parasite. Also, not everyone bitten by an infected bug will get sick.

How Do Bugs Spread Parasites?

When an infected kissing bug bites a person or animal, it often poops near the bite. The parasites are in the bug's poop. If the person or animal scratches the bite, they might accidentally rub the parasite into the bite wound, or into their eyes or mouth. This is how the parasite can enter the body.

Important Species of Kissing Bugs

Some kissing bug species are more likely to spread the parasite because they live very close to people. These include:

• Triatoma infestans
• Rhodnius prolixus
• Panstrongylus megistus

These bugs often live in cracks in walls or under beds in homes, making it easier for them to come into contact with humans.

Images for kids

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  Rhodnius prolixus nymphs and adult