Electrophysiological detection of visible wavelengths of artificial lights inducing take-off in adults of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Triatominae).

ABSTRACT: Rhodnius prolixus is the most important vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the northern part of South America. The compound eyes in adults of R. prolixus are involved in the nocturnal flight dispersion from sylvatic environments into human dwellings. During this behavior, the artificial lights play an important role in attracting R. prolixus; however, it is still not clear whether the compound eyes of this species use different visible wavelengths as a cue during active dispersion. We applied electrophysiological (electroretinography or ERG) and behavioral (take-off) experiments in a controlled laboratory setting to determine the spectral sensitivity of the compound eyes and the attraction of R. prolixus adults to discrete visible wavelengths. For the ERG experiments, flashes of 300 ms at wave

SUBMITTER: Ortiz MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10115453 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature