Insects 2013, 4(2), 273-286; doi:10.3390/insects4020273
Evaluation of Blood Regimen on the Survival of Cimex lectularius L. Using Life Table Parameters
1
Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, 501 ASI Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
2
Smeal College of Business, Department of Risk Management (Actuarial Science), The Pennsylvania State University, 331 Business Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 21 March 2013 / Revised: 15 May 2013 / Accepted: 16 May 2013 / Published: 18 June 2013
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Abstract
Knowledge of bed bug development under varying conditions can lead to more sophisticated management techniques. Development rate, age and stage-specific life tables were compared for a laboratory strain (HS) and field strain (ECL-05) of bed bug Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) reared on two blood regimens: human or rabbit blood. Harlan and ECL-05 bed bugs reared on human blood had a life expectancy of 207 and 208 days respectively from the egg stage. Egg to adult development of HS bed bugs reared on human blood (~35 days) was significantly longer than that of the ECL-05 strain (~33 days) in the third, fourth, and fifth instars. The HS and ECL-05 bed bugs reared on rabbit blood had a life expectancy of 149 and 174 days respectively. Egg to adult development time of HS on rabbit blood (~52 days) was significantly longer than ECL-05 (~37 days) in every instar, and HS total life span was significantly shorter compared to ECL-05. Developmental differences based on strain and blood regimen suggest rabbit blood is an inferior blood source for colony maintenance, and strain has variable effects on bed bug development. Findings suggest that blood regimen should strongly be considered in bed bug colony maintenance. View Full-TextKeywords:
Cimex lectularius; life table; survival; rabbit blood; human blood
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Barbarin, A.M.; Gebhardtsbauer, R.; Rajotte, E.G. Evaluation of Blood Regimen on the Survival of Cimex lectularius L. Using Life Table Parameters. Insects 2013, 4, 273-286.