Mortality profiles of Rhodnius prolixus (Heteroptera: Reduviidae), vector of Chagas disease

Life table data of Rhodnius prolixus (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) kept at laboratory conditions were analysed in search for mortality patterns. Gompertz and Weibull mortality models seem adequate to explain the sigmoid shape of the survivorship curve. A significant fit was obtained with both models for females (R-2 = 0.70, P < 0.0005 for the Gompertz model; R-2 = 0.78, P < 0.0005 for the Weibull model) and for males (R-2 = 0.39, P < 0.0005 for the Gompertz model; R-2 = 0.48, P < 0.0005 for the Weibull model). The mortality parameter (b) is higher for females in Gompertz and Weibull models, using smoothed and non-smoothed data (P < 0.05), revealing a significant sex mortality differential. Given the particular life history of this insect, the non-linear relationship between the force of mortality and age may have an important impact in the vectorial capacity of R. prolixus as Chagas disease vector, and its consideration should be included as an important factor in the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi by triatomines. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.