cone-nose bug

insect genus

Also known as: Mexican bedbug, Triatoma, big bedbug, kissing bug(Show More)

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Cone-nose bugs, also known as kissing bugs, are a type of large, bloodsucking insect belonging to the genus Triatoma. These insects are part of the larger group of heteropterans, which play significant roles in the ecosystem as both consumers and food sources.12

While many heteropterans are beneficial, some cone-nose bugs can harm humans. They are known for inflicting painful bites and can transmit Trypanosoma parasites, which cause Chagas disease in the American tropics. The transmission occurs when the insect, after feeding on an infected person, deposits the parasites in its feces on the skin of a new victim, often near the bite wound.2

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heteropteran
Harmful aspects
…the American tropics, occurs through cone nose bugs (Reduviidae), so-called because of the shape of their head. The insect receives trypanosomes when it feeds on the blood of an infected person. The trypanosome passes part of its life cycle in the insect and again becomes infective to humans. Instead of…
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…the American tropics, occurs through cone nose bugs (Reduviidae), so-called because of the shape of their head. The insect receives trypanosomes when it feeds on the blood of an infected person. The trypanosome passes part of its life cycle in the insect and again becomes infective to humans. Instead of…
Read More