Rhodnius
Quick Summary
Rhodnius is a genus of assassin bugs, specifically a type of kissing bug, native to South America. These insects are parasitic and feed on vertebrate blood, often biting near the host's mouth.12
The most well-known species, Rhodnius prolixus, is a primary vector for the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease in humans and other mammals. The World Health Organization estimates millions are infected globally, with thousands dying annually from the disease.12
Rhodnius prolixus is yellowish-brown or red-brown, with adults measuring about 17 mm (0.7 inches) in length. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis and can live for up to two years. Transmission of T. cruzi occurs when the bug deposits the parasite in its excrement on a host's skin, which can then enter the bloodstream through scratches or mucous membranes.2
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