Kissing bugs

Kissing bugs(or bedbugs) are insects that have three pairs of legs and their flattened body (similar to cockroaches) is divided into three regions: head, thorax and abdomen. This shape of the body allows them to take refuge in narrow places such as cracks in the wall, tree bark or under stones. On the margin of the abdomen they present spots that can vary their coloration according to the species.

The vinchucas can be differentiated from other insects by their protruding “cone nose”, related to their eating habits; which is folded under the head and extends forward when feeding.

The most important species of vinchuca in Argentina (Triatoma infestans) is important for being the main vector of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi; the adult is 21-29mm overall, large, bulging eyes, and its body is matte black or slightly shiny with the rim of its abdomen marked with characteristic black and yellow bands.

The complete life cycle goes from the egg to the adult (the only ones that have wings) going through five previous stages known as nymphs. Eggs are oval white, yellow, or pink (about the size of a grain of rice). All stages (all five nymphs + adults) feed on blood.