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Yan JL, Rosenbaum JR, Esteves S, Dobbin ML, Dukas R. Sexual conflict and social networks in bed bugs: effects of social experience. Behav Ecol 2024; 35:arae030. [PMID: 38690087 PMCID: PMC11059254 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Living in groups can provide essential experience that improves sexual performance and reproductive success. While the effects of social experience have drawn considerable scientific interest, commonly used behavioral assays often do not capture the dynamic nature of interactions within a social group. Here, we conducted 3 experiments using a social network framework to test whether social experience during early adulthood improves the sexual competence of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) when placed in a complex and competitive group environment. In each experiment, we observed replicate groups of bed bugs comprising previously socialized and previously isolated individuals of the same sex, along with an equal number of standardized individuals of the opposite sex. Regardless of whether we controlled for their insemination history, previously isolated males mounted and inseminated females at significantly higher rates than previously socialized males. However, we found no evidence of social experience influencing our other measures of sexual competence: proportion of mounts directed at females, ability to overcome female resistance, and strength of opposite-sex social associations. We similarly did not detect effects of social experience on our female sexual competence metrics: propensity to avoid mounts, rate of successfully avoiding mounts, opposite-sex social association strength, and rate of receiving inseminations. Our findings indicate that early social experience does not improve sexual competence in male and female bed bugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice L Yan
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jack R Rosenbaum
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Selena Esteves
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Maggie L Dobbin
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Reuven Dukas
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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2
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Leong XY, Lee CY, Veera Singham G, Chong Shu-Chien A, Naylor R, Naylor A, Miller DM, Wilson MM, Lilly DG, Doggett SL. The Efficacy of a Pyrethroid-impregnated Mattress Liner on Multiple International Strains of Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) and Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:19-28. [PMID: 35640206 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Modern bed bugs are resistant to multiple insecticide classes, particularly the pyrethroids. The efficacy of pyrethroid-impregnated mattress liners marketed for bed bug management has been variable. This study evaluated the efficacy of a permethrin-impregnated mattress liner, ActiveGuard, against 24 bed bug strains, consisting of both Cimex hemipterus (F.) and Cimex lectularius L. A 'mat assay', employing an allethrin-impregnated mat, was used to establish the pyrethroid resistance profile of all strains. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of ActiveGuard exposure on bed bug knockdown: 1) exposing the bed bugs continuously on the liner for up to 24 d, 2) holding the bed bugs on the liner for either 4 or 6 h, and 3) placing a noninsecticide treated fabric above the liner with the bed bugs held continuously on top. Our results indicated that all modern strains (collected within the last 15 years during the current resurgence) were pyrethroid-resistant, although the magnitude of resistance was highly variable between strains. In the continuous exposure study, an incomplete knockdown was recorded for most modern bed bug strains, with some having no knockdown even up to 7 d of constant exposure. In the 4 or 6 h exposure study, the level of knockdown was reduced even further, and very few bed bugs were knocked down in the double fabric study. The results of this study indicate that pyrethroid-impregnated mattress liners are not likely to be effective in the management of most modern bed bug infestations involving either C. hemipterus or C. lectularius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yeng Leong
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chow-Yang Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - G Veera Singham
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Alexander Chong Shu-Chien
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Richard Naylor
- CimexStore, Priors Loft, Tidenham, Chepstow NP16 7JD, UK
| | - Alexia Naylor
- CimexStore, Priors Loft, Tidenham, Chepstow NP16 7JD, UK
| | - Dini M Miller
- Department of Medical Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Morgan M Wilson
- Department of Medical Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - David G Lilly
- Department of Medical Entomology, University of Sydney and Pathology West - ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Stephen L Doggett
- Department of Medical Entomology, NSW Health Pathology - ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Singh VJ, Potdar S, Sheeba V. Effects of Food Availability Cycles on Phase and Period of Activity-rest Rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. J Biol Rhythms 2022; 37:528-544. [PMID: 35983646 DOI: 10.1177/07487304221111287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Foraging and feeding are indispensable for survival and their timing depends not only on the metabolic state of the animal but also on the availability of food resources in their environment. Since both these aspects are subject to change over time, these behaviors exhibit rhythmicity in occurrence. As the locomotor activity of an organism is related to its disposition to acquire food, and peak feeding in fruit flies has been shown to occur at a particular time of the day, we asked if cyclic food availability can entrain their rhythmic activity. By subjecting flies to cyclic food availability, that is, feeding-starvation (FS) cycles, we provided food cues contrasting to the preferred activity times and observed if this imposed cycling in food availability could entrain the activity-rest rhythm. We found that phase control, which is a property integral to entrainment, was not achieved despite increasing starvation duration of FS cycles (FS 12:12, FS 10:14, and FS 8:16). We also found that flies subjected to T21 and T26 FS cycles were unable to match period of the activity rhythm to short or long T-cycles. Taken together, these results show that external food availability cycles do not entrain the activity-rest rhythm of fruit flies. However, we find that starvation-induced hyperactivity causes masking which results in phase changes. In addition, T-cycle experiments resulted in minor period changes during FS treatment. These findings highlight that food cyclicity by itself may not be a potent zeitgeber but may act in unison with other abiotic factors like light and temperature to help flies time their activity appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viveka Jagdish Singh
- Chronobiology and Behavioural Neurogenetics Laboratory, Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Sheetal Potdar
- Chronobiology and Behavioural Neurogenetics Laboratory, Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Vasu Sheeba
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
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4
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Ndiaye EHI, Diatta G, Diarra AZ, Berenger JM, Bassene H, Mediannikov O, Bouganali C, Sokhna C, Parola P. Morphological, Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS Identification of Bedbugs and Associated Wolbachia Species in Rural Senegal. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1019-1032. [PMID: 35286393 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bed bugs are known to carry several microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of bed bug infestation in two rural areas of Senegal and determine the species present in the population. A screening was conducted to detect some arthropod associated pathogenic bacteria in bed bugs and to evaluate the prevalence of endosymbiont carriage. One survey took place in 17 villages in Niakhar and two surveys in Dielmo and Ndiop and surroundings area in the same 20 villages. Bed bugs collected were identified morphologically and by MALDI-TOF MS tools. Microorganisms screening was performed by qPCR and confirmed by sequencing. During the survey in the Niakhar region, only one household 1/255 (0.4%) in the village of Ngayokhem was found infested by bed bugs. In a monitoring survey of the surroundings of Dielmo and Ndiop area, high prevalence was found during the two rounds of surveys in 65/314 (21%) in 16/20 villages (January-March) and 93/351 (26%) in 19/20 villages (December). All bed bugs were morphologically identified as the species Cimex hemipterus, of which 285/1,637 (17%) were randomly selected for MALDI-TOF MS analysis and bacteria screening. Among the Bacteria tested only Wolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales, Rickettsiaceae) DNA was found in 248/276 (90%) of the bedbugs. We briefly describe a high level of non-generalized bed bug infestation in rural Senegal and the diversity of Wolbachia strains carried by C. hemipterus. This study opens perspectives for raising household awareness of bed bug infestations and possibilities for appropriate control.
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Affiliation(s)
- El Hadji Ibrahima Ndiaye
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Georges Diatta
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Adama Zan Diarra
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Michel Berenger
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Hubert Bassene
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Cheikh Sokhna
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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5
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Norris EJ, Bloomquist JR. Nutritional status significantly affects toxicological endpoints in the CDC bottle bioassay. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:743-748. [PMID: 34693614 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CDC Bottle Bioassay serves as an inexpensive and effective way to screen field-caught mosquitoes against a wide variety of insecticidal active ingredients and commercial formulations, with the goal of detecting resistant individuals. For this study, we assessed how sucrose-water (10% w/v) feeding status impacted the response of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to select insecticides. RESULTS Starvation for 24 or 48 h decreased permethrin and malathion mean survival time by about 40%, with little difference in the two starvation times. Similar findings were also observed in a pyrethroid-resistant Puerto Rico strain challenged with permethrin, but these effects were less pronounced. To test the impact of mosquito weight, we measured weight under different 48-h nutritional conditions and found that sugar-water-fed and sugar-only-fed individuals were approximately the same weight (ANOVA, Bonferroni post-test P value >0.999) and that individuals fed water only were considerably lighter than either sugar-water-fed (ANOVA, Bonferroni post-test P value = 0.034) or sugar-only-fed individuals (ANOVA, Bonferroni post-test P value = 0.027) but equal in weight to starved mosquitoes (ANOVA, Bonferroni post-test P value >0.99). Of the nutritional challenges, water-only-fed mosquitoes were the most insecticide tolerant (ANOVA, Bonferroni post-test P values to all other treatments <0.01). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate insect nutritional status is an important experimental variable, particularly the hydration status of mosquitoes shortly before insecticide exposure. Moreover, as significant differences were observed between starved and component-fed (water, sugar, or sugar and water) mosquitoes in a pyrethroid-resistant strain, some caution is appropriate when interpreting resistance/susceptibility diagnoses with this bioassay. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund J Norris
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Bloomquist
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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6
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Gaire S, DeVries ZC, Mick R, Santangelo RG, Bottillo G, Camera E, Schal C. Human skin triglycerides prevent bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) arrestment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22906. [PMID: 34880281 PMCID: PMC8654864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01981-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) have proliferated globally and have become one of the most challenging pests to control indoors. They are nocturnal and use multiple sensory cues to detect and orient towards their human hosts. After feeding, usually on a sleeping human, they return to a shelter on or around the sleeping surface, but not directly on the host. We hypothesized that although human skin odors attract hungry bed bugs, human skin compounds may also prevent arrestment on hosts. We used arrestment assays to test human skin swabs, extracts from human skin swabs, and pure compounds identified from human skin swabs. When given a choice, bed bugs preferred to arrest on substrates not previously conditioned by humans. These responses were consistent among laboratory-reared and apartment-collected bed bugs. The compounds responsible for this behavior were found to be extractable in hexane, and bed bugs responded to such extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Bioassay-guided fractionation paired with thin-layer chromatography, GC–MS, and LC–MS analyses suggested that triglycerides (TAGs), common compounds found on human skin, were preventing arrestment on shelters. Bed bugs universally avoided sheltering in TAG-treated shelters, which was independent of the number of carbons or the number of double bonds in the TAG. These results provide strong evidence that the complex of human skin compounds serve as multifunctional semiochemicals for bed bugs, with some odorants attracting host-seeking stages, and others (TAGs and possibly other compounds) preventing bed bug arrestment. Host chemistry, environmental conditions and the physiological state of bed bugs likely influence the dual nature behavioral responses of bed bugs to human skin compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Gaire
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone, S-225 Ag North, Lexington, KY, 40546-0091, USA.
| | - Zachary C DeVries
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone, S-225 Ag North, Lexington, KY, 40546-0091, USA. .,Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Russell Mick
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Richard G Santangelo
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Grazia Bottillo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Camera
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Coby Schal
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Liu F, Chen Z, Ye Z, Liu N. The Olfactory Chemosensation of Hematophagous Hemipteran Insects. Front Physiol 2021; 12:703768. [PMID: 34434117 PMCID: PMC8382127 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.703768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most abundant insect orders on earth, most Hemipteran insects are phytophagous, with the few hematophagous exceptions falling into two families: Cimicidae, such as bed bugs, and Reduviidae, such as kissing bugs. Many of these blood-feeding hemipteran insects are known to be realistic or potential disease vectors, presenting both physical and psychological risks for public health. Considerable researches into the interactions between hemipteran insects such as kissing bugs and bed bugs and their human hosts have revealed important information that deepens our understanding of their chemical ecology and olfactory physiology. Sensory mechanisms in the peripheral olfactory system of both insects have now been characterized, with a particular emphasis on their olfactory sensory neurons and odorant receptors. This review summarizes the findings of recent studies of both kissing bugs (including Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans) and bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), focusing on their chemical ecology and peripheral olfactory systems. Potential chemosensation-based applications for the management of these Hemipteran insect vectors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zhou Chen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zi Ye
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Nannan Liu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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Ahronberg A, Scharf I. Social isolation interaction with the feeding regime differentially affects survival and results in a hump-shaped pattern in movement activity. Behav Processes 2021; 190:104460. [PMID: 34256142 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Eusocial insects depend on their colonies, and it is therefore clear why isolation triggers many negative effects on isolated individuals. Here, we examined the effect of social isolation on the desert ant Cataglyphis niger, asking whether isolation, either with access to food or under starvation, impairs survival, and whether isolation modifies movement activity and digging to bypass an obstacle. Social isolation led to shorter survival but only when food was provided. This effect might be due to food not being digested correctly under isolation. Although isolated ant workers were more active immediately post isolation than 2-24 hours later, their movement moderately increased two days post isolation. We suggest that the changes in movement activity are adaptive: first, the worker increases activity intended to reunite it with the lost colony. Then, when the colony is not found, it reduces activity to conserve energy. It later increases activity as a final attempt to detect the colony. We expected isolated workers to dig faster to bypass an obstacle, but we did not detect any effect on digging behavior. We demonstrate here the complex effects of isolation on survival and movement activity, in interaction with additional factors - feeding and isolation duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Ahronberg
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inon Scharf
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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González-Morales MA, Terán M, Romero A. Behavioral Responses of the Common Bed Bug to Essential Oil Constituents. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020184. [PMID: 33670065 PMCID: PMC7926421 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) are blood-sucking insects that have emerged worldwide in the last two decades causing serious public health and economic impact. Today, control of bed bug infestations relies on the use of synthetic insecticides, but their frequent use has led to the development of resistance in bed bug populations. Therefore, there is a growing demand for the development of safer, green, and more effective tools for bed bug control. Plant-derived pesticides are part of the proposed “green” methods for bed bug control. We evaluated behavioral responses of bed bugs to essential oil constituents (EOCs) and detected that bed bugs did not rest on areas treated with geraniol, eugenol, citronellic acid, and carvacrol. Barriers of these constituents did not deter bed bugs from reaching warmed blood meal and feeding. Our results show that novel formulations of natural product insecticides that include geraniol, eugenol, carvacrol, or citronellic acid have potential to repel bed bugs. However, little benefit of protection against bed bug bites can be expected when EOC-based products are applied to items present in close proximity to a sleeping host such as mattress covers, liners, or around the bed. Abstract Botanical-derived pesticides have arisen as an attractive alternative to synthetic insecticides to effectively manage infestations of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.). While information on contact, residual, and fumigant toxicity of plant-essential oils against bed bugs have been recently published, there is a gap of information regarding the repellent activity of these products and their constituents. Identification of essential oil constituents (EOCs) with repellent activity will help develop potentially efficacious essential oil-based formulations for use in bed bug management programs. In this study, we first screened fresh and 24 h-aged residues of geraniol, eugenol, carvacrol, thymol, citronellic acid, linalool, menthone, trans-cinnamaldehyde, α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene for avoidance behavior from individual bed bugs with a video-tracking system. Six EOCs, geraniol, eugenol, citronellic acid, thymol, carvacrol, and linalool were further evaluated overnight in choice tests to determine whether 24-h aged residues were still avoided by groups of bed bugs. While bed bugs avoided resting on filter papers treated with 24-h aged residues of geraniol, eugenol, citronellic acid, and carvacrol, bed bugs aggregated in areas treated with linalool-aged residues. Barriers of EOCs did not prevent bed bugs from reaching a warmed blood source and acquiring blood meals. Our results show that novel formulations of natural product insecticides that include geraniol, eugenol, carvacrol, or citronellic acid have potential to repel bed bugs. The presence of host-associated cues might interfere with these responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A. González-Morales
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | | | - Alvaro Romero
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-575-646-5550
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10
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Jones SC. Magnitude and Spread of Bed Bugs ( Cimex lectularius) throughout Ohio (USA) Revealed by Surveys of Pest Management Industry. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020133. [PMID: 33557124 PMCID: PMC7913827 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Bed bugs are small blood-sucking insects that live indoors and feed on humans. They have become a problem in countries worldwide. In this study, the problem in Ohio (Midwest U.S.) was measured based on treatments by licensed pest control companies throughout the state. Results from 2005 showed that Ohio’s bed bug problem likely started in Hamilton County, which includes Cincinnati. Much larger numbers of bed bug treatments were performed in 2011 and again in 2016, especially in counties with large cities. Almost every Ohio county had numerous bed bug treatments in 2016. Most treatments were in apartments/condos and single-family homes. Residents misused many pesticides, especially over-the-counter “bug bombs” and household cleaners, trying to eliminate bed bugs. Many people also threw away unwrapped infested furniture, which may further spread these bugs. More public education is needed to stop such practices. This study shows that bed bug problems can grow and spread quickly. Federal, state, and local officials and the public should immediately deal with bed bugs rather than waiting until they become an even bigger problem. Abstract Bed bugs have recently re-emerged as human pests worldwide. In this study, two surveys queried licensed pest management companies in Ohio (Midwest USA) about their experiences managing bed bugs. A primary objective was to assess the magnitude and spread of bed bug infestations statewide based on companies’ treatment records from 2005 and 2011 (first survey) and 2016 (second survey). The survey response rates were 35.6% and 31.6%, respectively. Treatment data from 2005 indicated that Ohio’s bed bug problem likely started in the SW corner of the state in Hamilton County (includes city of Cincinnati), since it totaled five times more treatments (approximately 4500) than second-ranking, centrally located Franklin County (Columbus). In the first half of 2011, more than 15,000 treatments were performed in these two counties. In 2016, treatments reached nearly 38,000 in Franklin County and in NE Ohio in the three combined counties that include Cleveland-Akron-Canton. Bed bug problems expanded statewide during an 11 y period, with an estimated 100+ treatments in 7 counties in 2005, 45 counties in 2011, and nearly all 88 counties in 2016. Apartments/condos and single-family residences comprised the largest share of bed bug work. Residents misused many pesticides and household cleaners trying to eliminate bed bugs. Many also discarded unwrapped infested furniture, which may further spread these bugs. More public education is needed to stop such practices. This study shows that bed bug problems grow and spread quickly; federal, state, and local officials and the public should immediately deal with bed bugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Jones
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1065, USA
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11
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Gaire S, Schal C, Mick R, DeVries Z. The Role of Antennae in Heat Detection and Feeding Behavior in the Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 113:2858-2863. [PMID: 33128451 PMCID: PMC7724749 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite that has significant impacts on human health and well-being. All life stages of bed bugs (except eggs) feed solely on blood, which is required to molt and reproduce. Bed bugs use multiple cues to locate their hosts, including heat, CO2, and body odors. Of these cues, detection of heat appears limited to a short distance of <3 cm. However, it remains unclear if bed bugs can detect radiant heat, what structure(s) are responsible for heat detection, and if heat detection via the antennae is required for feeding. In this study, bed bug response to radiant heat was evaluated using the two-choice T-maze assay with the heat source either in contact with the surface (i.e., conduction) or not in contact (i.e., radiation) in nonantennectomized bed bugs. Further, we systematically ablated the bed bug's antennal segments (distal tip, first segment, and all four segments) and assessed their responses to heat and feeding in a unique two-choice T-maze assay and individual feeding assays, respectively. Our two-choice assays with contact to or no contact with the surface indicated that bed bugs cannot detect radiant heat. Later, we found that the distal tip of the terminal antennal segment is responsible for orientation toward a heat source. However, >50% of the bed bugs fed even when the entire antenna was removed, suggesting redundancy in sensory cues that drive feeding. These results will be used to better understand the role heat plays in bed bug host attraction and design of traps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Gaire
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| | - Coby Schal
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Russell Mick
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Zachary DeVries
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Khalid MF, Lee CY, Doggett SL, Veera Singham G. Circadian rhythms in insecticide susceptibility, metabolic enzyme activity, and gene expression in Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218343. [PMID: 31206537 PMCID: PMC6576784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Many insect species display daily variation of sensitivity to insecticides when they are exposed to the same concentration at different times during the day. To date, this has not been investigated in bed bugs. To address this, we explored circadian rhythms in insecticide susceptibility, xenobiotic metabolizing (XM) gene expressions, and metabolic detoxification in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. An insecticide susceptible Monheim strain of C. lectularius was most tolerant of deltamethrin during the late photophase at ZT9 (i.e. nine hours after light is present in the light-dark cycle (LD) cycle) and similarly repeated at CT9 (i.e. nine hours into the subjective day in constant darkness (DD)) suggesting endogenous circadian involvement in susceptibility to deltamethrin. No diel rhythm was observed against imidacloprid insecticide despite significant daily susceptibility in both LD and DD conditions. Rhythmic expressions of metabolic detoxification genes, GSTs1 and CYP397A1 displayed similar expression patterns with total GST and P450 enzyme activities in LD and DD conditions, respectively. The oscillation of mRNA levels of GSTs1 and CYP397A1 was found consistent with peak phases of deltamethrin susceptibility in C. lectularius. This study demonstrates that circadian patterns of metabolic detoxification gene expression occur within C. lectularius. As a consequence, insecticide efficacy can vary dramatically throughout a 24 hour period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Fazli Khalid
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chow-Yang Lee
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Stephen L. Doggett
- Department of Medical Entomology, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - G. Veera Singham
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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Circadian clocks of both plants and pollinators influence flower seeking behavior of the pollinator hawkmoth Manduca sexta. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2842. [PMID: 29434312 PMCID: PMC5809389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21251-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Most plant-pollinator interactions occur during specific periods during the day. To facilitate these interactions, many flowers are known to display their attractive qualities, such as scent emission and petal opening, in a daily rhythmic fashion. However, less is known about how the internal timing mechanisms (the circadian clocks) of plants and animals influence their daily interactions. We examine the role of the circadian clock in modulating the interaction between Petunia and one of its pollinators, the hawkmoth Manduca sexta. We find that desynchronization of the Petunia circadian clock affects moth visitation preference for Petunia flowers. Similarly, moths with circadian time aligned to plants show stronger flower-foraging activities than moths that lack this alignment. Moth locomotor activity is circadian clock-regulated, although it is also strongly repressed by light. Moths show a time-dependent burst increase in flight activity during subjective night. In addition, moth antennal responsiveness to the floral scent compounds exhibits a 24-hour rhythm in both continuous light and dark conditions. This study highlights the importance of the circadian clocks in both plants and animals as a crucial factor in initiating specialized plant-pollinator relationships.
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Aak A, Hage M, Rukke BA. Insect pathogenic fungi and bed bugs: behaviour, horizontal transfer and the potential contribution to IPM solutions. JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE 2018; 91:823-835. [PMID: 29568252 PMCID: PMC5847144 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-017-0943-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The increasing problem of bed bugs requires the development of new control strategies, and insect pathogenic fungi can contribute towards management. We used laboratory bioassays with Isaria fumosoroseus, Lecanicillium muscarium and Beauveria bassiana to evaluate their virulence to the bed bug. Only B. bassiana significantly affected bed bug survival and was dependent on dose and formulation. A 2% B. bassiana oil formulation induced horizontal transfer to elevate mortality in a 10-day arena bioassay. Temporal distribution of contagious individuals and increasing the dose from 2 to 4% did not increase mortality. Horizontal transfer mainly occurred between adults, and only partly between adults and nymphs. Bed bugs showed activity peaks during the night, and activity was increased by elevated levels of CO2. Distribution between harbourages was not affected by CO2 activation, level of infection or the bio-pesticide, and horizontal transfer was not dependent on the degree of aggregation. Movement in the arenas negatively affected horizontal transfer when the number of susceptible individuals was large. Level of infection also influenced behaviour as the bed bug movement increased with elevated disease burden. The use of fungi as a part of an integrated pest management strategy seems to be an interesting option that should be investigated further. B. bassiana kills bed bugs and can be carried to harbourages to target hidden individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Aak
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, Postboks 4404, 0456 Nydalen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Hage
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, Postboks 4404, 0456 Nydalen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Arne Rukke
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, Postboks 4404, 0456 Nydalen, Oslo, Norway
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Agnew JL, Romero A. Behavioral Responses of the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius, to Insecticide Dusts. INSECTS 2017; 8:insects8030083. [PMID: 28786920 PMCID: PMC5620703 DOI: 10.3390/insects8030083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Bed bugs have reemerged recently as a serious and growing problem not only in North America but in many parts of the world. These insects have become the most challenging pest to control in urban environments. Residual insecticides are the most common methods used for bed bug control; however, insecticide resistance limits the efficacy of treatments. Desiccant dusts have emerged as a good option to provide a better residual effect for bed bug control. Several studies have focused on determining the efficacy of dust-based insecticides against bed bugs. However, behavioral responses of bed bugs to insecticide dusts could influence their efficacy. The behavioral responses of bed bugs to six insecticide dusts commonly used in the United States were evaluated with an advanced video tracking technique (Ethovision). Bed bugs took longer to make first contact with areas treated with the diatomaceous earth (DE)-based products MotherEarth D and Alpine than pyrethroid, pyrethrins or silica gel based products, DeltaDust, Tempo 1% Dust and CimeXa, respectively. Lower visitation rates of bed bugs were recorded for areas treated with MotherEarth D, Alpine and CimeXa than that of DeltaDust, Tempo 1% Dust, and Tri-Die Silica + Pyrethrum Dust. Bed bugs spent less time in areas treated with Tri-Die Dust, CimeXa, Alpine, and MotherEarth D than DeltaDust and Tempo 1% Dust, and they exhibited a reduction in locomotor parameters when crawling on areas treated with CimeXa and Alpine. The implications of these responses to bed bug control are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Agnew
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
| | - Alvaro Romero
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
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Wang D, Wang C, Singh N, Eiden AL, Cooper R, Zha C. Effect of Feeding History and Time Elapsed From Field Collection on the Movement Behavior and Response to Stimulation in Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:1719-1727. [PMID: 28541568 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) is an obligate blood-sucking insect that has been resurging in many countries. Researching this pest's behavior will help design more effective control methods. In this study, we evaluated the effect of feeding history and time elapsed from field collection on bed bug movement behavior and response to chemical lure or carbon dioxide stimulation in the laboratory. After CO2 was released, bed bugs unfed for 3 d began to return to harborages; in contrast, the ones unfed for 2 and 4 wk spent significantly more time outside their harborages during the first 1 h after than the 1 h before CO2 release. After CO2 release, there was an increase in activity (time spent moving outside harborage) in all bed bugs with different feeding history or time elapsed from field collection. During the 8-h observation period when CO2 was present, bed bug males unfed for 4 wk spent significantly more time exploring outside harborages than the ones unfed for 3 d, 1 wk, and 2 wk. Nymphs collected 1-2 wk and 1 yr ago spent significantly more time exploring outside harborages than the ones collected 43 yr ago. Bed bug's exploratory activity (the total percentage of bed bugs trapped in both baited and unbaited interceptors) was significantly affected by their time elapsed from field collection and their exploratory activity level was 1-2 wk > 6 mo > 5 and 43 yr. Both feeding history and time elapsed from field collection significantly affected bed bug movement, whereas bed bug's response to chemical lure or CO2 (the percentage of bed bugs trapped in the baited interceptor, summarized as the number of bed bugs trapped in the baited interceptor divided by the total number of trapped bed bugs in both baited and unbaited interceptors) was unaffected by the time elapsed from field collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Changlu Wang
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Narinderpal Singh
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Amanda L Eiden
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Richard Cooper
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Chen Zha
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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Crawley SE, Kowles KA, Gordon JR, Potter MF, Haynes KF. Behavioral effects of sublethal exposure to a combination of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid in the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:598-603. [PMID: 27322625 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are blood-feeding insect pests with public health relevance. Their rapid evolution of resistance to pyrethroids has prompted a shift to combination products that include both a pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticide. Insecticides have both a direct impact on mortality and an indirect effect on behavior. Thus, we assessed the sublethal effects of a widely used combination product containing β-cyfluthrin (a pyrethroid) and imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid), as unexpected behavioral changes after exposure have been known to affect efficacy of insecticides. RESULTS We found that bed bugs exposed to sublethal doses of a combination product containing β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid did not feed as effectively as untreated bugs. Their locomotion behavior was also reduced. However, aggregation in response to the presence of conspecific harborages was not affected by sublethal exposure. CONCLUSION Bed bugs exhibit behavioral changes after sublethal exposure to a combination product that could affect pest management choices and outcomes. A reduction in host-finding efficiency and feeding could complement the lethal effects of the insecticide. Alternatively, reduced locomotion following exposure could limit ongoing contact with insecticide deposits. However, an overall reduction in movement indicates that treatments are unlikely to cause dispersal of bugs to adjacent dwellings. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney E Crawley
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Katelyn A Kowles
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer R Gordon
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Michael F Potter
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kenneth F Haynes
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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McNeill CA, Allan SA, Koehler PG, Pereira RM, Weeks ENI. Vision in the common bed bug Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): eye morphology and spectral sensitivity. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 30:426-434. [PMID: 27670265 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Bed bugs as pests of public health importance recently experienced a resurgence in populations throughout the U.S. and other countries. Consequently, recent research efforts have focused on improving understanding of bed bug physiology and behaviour to improve management. While few studies have investigated the visual capabilities of bed bugs, the present study focused specifically on eye morphology and spectral sensitivity. A 3-D imaging technique was used to document bed bug eye morphology from the first instar through adult and revealed morphological characteristics that differentiate the common bed bug from the tropical bed bug as well as sex-specific differences. Electrophysiological measurements were used to evaluate the spectral sensitivity of adult bed bugs. Male bed bugs were more responsive than females at some wavelengths. Electrophysiological studies provided evidence for at least one photoreceptor with a spectral sensitivity curve peak in the green (λmax 520 nm) region of the spectrum. The broadened long wavelength portion of the spectral sensitivity curve may potentially indicate another photoreceptor in the yellow-green (λmax 550 nm) portion of the spectrum or screening pigments. Understanding more about bed bug visual biology is vital for designing traps, which are an important component of integrated bed bug management.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A McNeill
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Union College, Lincoln, NE, U.S.A..
| | - S A Allan
- Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - P G Koehler
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - R M Pereira
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - E N I Weeks
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
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Sivakoff FS, Jones SC, Machtley SA, Hagler JR. Protein Self-Marking by Ectoparasites: A Case Study Using Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:1370-1377. [PMID: 27493250 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability to mark individuals is a critical feature of many entomological investigations, including dispersal studies. Insect dispersal is generally investigated using mark-release-recapture techniques, whereby marked individuals are released at a known location and then captured at a measured distance. Ectoparasite dispersal has historically been challenging to study, in part because of the ethical concerns associated with releasing marked individuals. Here, we introduce the protein self-marking technique, whereby ectoparasites mark themselves in the field by feeding on the blood of an introduced host. We demonstrate the potential of this technique using laboratory-reared bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) that marked themselves by feeding on either rabbit or chicken blood. We then used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect host-specific blood serum proteins in bed bugs. We assessed these protein markers' ability to 1) distinctively identify marked individuals, 2) persist following multiple feedings on an alternate diet, 3) persist over time across a range of temperatures, and 4) transfer from marked to unmarked individuals. Protein markers were detectable in bed bugs before and after molting, remained detectible after multiple feedings on an alternate diet, persisted regardless of whether an individual was starved or fed on an alternate diet following original mark acquisition, and did not transfer between individuals. The duration of detectability depended on temperature. Our results suggest that protein self-marking is an effective technique for marking bed bugs and holds promise for use in dispersal studies of ectoparasitic insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances S Sivakoff
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Rothenbuhler Research Lab, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210 (; )
| | - Susan C Jones
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Rothenbuhler Research Lab, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210 (; )
| | - Scott A Machtley
- Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA - ARS, 21881 North Cardon Lane, Maricopa, AZ 85138 (; )
| | - James R Hagler
- Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA - ARS, 21881 North Cardon Lane, Maricopa, AZ 85138 (; )
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DeVries ZC, Mick R, Schal C. Feel the heat: activation, orientation and feeding responses of bed bugs to targets at different temperatures. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:3773-3780. [PMID: 27688050 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.143487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Host location in bed bugs is poorly understood. Of the primary host-associated cues known to attract bed bugs - CO2, odors, heat - heat has received little attention as an independent stimulus. We evaluated the effects of target temperatures ranging from 23 to 48°C on bed bug activation, orientation and feeding. Activation and orientation responses were assessed using a heated target in a circular arena. All targets heated above ambient temperature activated bed bugs (initiated movement) and elicited oriented movement toward the target, with higher temperatures generally resulting in faster activation and orientation. The distance over which bed bugs could orient toward a heat source was measured using a 2-choice T-maze assay. Positive thermotaxis was limited to distances <3 cm. Bed bug feeding responses on an artificial feeding system increased with feeder temperature up to 38 and 43°C, and declined precipitously at 48°C. In addition, bed bugs responded to the relative difference between ambient and feeder temperatures. These results highlight the wide range of temperatures that elicit activation, orientation and feeding responses in bed bugs. In contrast, the ability of bed bugs to correctly orient towards a heated target, independently of other cues, is limited to very short distances (<3 cm). Finally, bed bug feeding is shown to be relative to ambient temperature, not an absolute response to feeder blood temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary C DeVries
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, Campus Box 7613, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA
| | - Russell Mick
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, Campus Box 7613, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA
| | - Coby Schal
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, Campus Box 7613, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA
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McNeill CA, Pereira RM, Koehler PG, McNeill SA, Baldwin RW. Behavioral Responses of Nymph and Adult Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) to Colored Harborages. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:760-769. [PMID: 27113099 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral bioassays were conducted to determine whether bed bug adults and nymphs prefer specific colored harborages. Two-choice and seven-choice behavioral color assays indicate that red (28.5%) and black (23.4%) harborages are optimal harborage choices for bed bugs. Yellow and green harborages appear to repel bed bugs. Harborage color preferences change according to gender, nutritional status, aggregation, and life stage. Female bed bugs prefer harborages with shorter wavelengths (lilac-14.5% and violet-11.5%) compared to males, whereas males prefer harborages with longer wavelengths (red-37.5% and black-32%) compared with females. The preference for orange and violet harborages is stronger when bed bugs are fed as opposed to when they are starved. Lone bed bugs (30%) prefer to be in black harborages while red harborages appear to be the optimum harborage color for bed bugs in more natural mixed aggregations (35.5%). Bed bug nymphs preferred different colored harborages at each stage of development, which is indicative of their developing eye structures and pigments. First instars showed no significant preference for any colored harborage soon after hatching. However, by the fifth instar, 27.5% of nymphs significantly preferred red and black harborages (which was a similar preference to adult bed bugs). The proportion of oviposited eggs was significantly greater under blue, red, and black harborages compared to other colored harborages tested. The use of visual cues such as specific colors offers great potential for improving bed bug monitoring tools by increasing trap captures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corraine A McNeill
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Union College, 3800 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506-0050 (; )
| | - Roberto M Pereira
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Steinmetz Hall, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 (; ; )
| | - Philip G Koehler
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Steinmetz Hall, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 (; ; )
| | - Seth A McNeill
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Union College, 3800 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506-0050 (; )
| | - Rebecca W Baldwin
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Steinmetz Hall, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 (; ; )
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Aak A, Roligheten E, Rukke BA, Birkemoe T. Desiccant dust and the use of CO 2 gas as a mobility stimulant for bed bugs: a potential control solution? JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE 2016; 90:249-259. [PMID: 28217039 PMCID: PMC5290065 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-016-0784-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius, Hemiptera; Cimicidae) infests homes and service industries, and the number of infestations has greatly increased over the past 20 years. At present, no cost-effective control methods are available, and eradication programs are expensive and laborious. We investigated the control potential of desiccant dust in combination with CO2 as a bed bug activity stimulant. An initial experiment with two desiccant dusts was followed by arena studies with varying doses, available hiding places and the presence or absence of host signals. Finally, we conducted a field experiment with Syloid 244FP with or without CO2 gas. Syloid was superior compared to diatomaceous earth, and effective at the concentration of 1.0 g/m2 in the field experiment. The number of harborages and partial application of desiccant dust decreased mortality in the laboratory. Bed bug activation by CO2 appeared of minor importance in the arena studies, but was crucial for the eradication in the student dormitories. In fact, all 5 bed bug-infested dormitories with a combined treatment of desiccant dust and CO2 were freed of bed bugs, whereas eradication was not successful in any of the 6 dormitories with only desiccant dust treatment. The different results in the laboratory and field experiment were most likely caused by the longer activation and higher dose of CO2 used in the field experiment than the laboratory experiment. Our study showed that application of desiccant dust in combination with release of CO2 gas to mimic human presence is a promising option for bed bug control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Aak
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 4404 Nydalen, NO-0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Roligheten
- Oslo Boligbygg, Wergelandsveien 3, Postboks 1192, Sentrum 0107 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Arne Rukke
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 4404 Nydalen, NO-0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tone Birkemoe
- Ecology and Natural Resource Management. Campus Ås, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, NO1430-Ås Oslo, Norway
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Rahim AHA, Zahran Z, Majid AHA. Human skin reactions towards bites of tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus F. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): A preliminary case study. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(15)61049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Liu YB, Haynes KF. Effects of Ultralow Oxygen and Vacuum Treatments on Bed Bug (Heteroptera: Cimicidae) Survival. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 109:1310-1316. [PMID: 27106228 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tow034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Control of bed bugs is problematic, balancing among efficacy, safety, and cost. In this study, ultralow oxygen (ULO) and vacuum treatments were tested on bed bugs to develop a safer, effective, and environmentally friendly solution to kill bed bugs on infested items. ULO treatments were established by flushing sealed enclosures with nitrogen. All life stages of bed bugs were found to be susceptible to ULO and vacuum treatments, and efficacy of the treatments increased with reduced oxygen levels, increased treatment time, and temperature. In the ULO treatments, 100% mortality of bed bug nymphs and adults and >98% mortality of bed bug eggs were achieved in the 8-h treatment under 0.1% O 2 atmosphere at 30°C. Different levels of vacuum that yielded different oxygen levels were tested on all life stages of bed bugs. The susceptibility of different stages to vacuum treatments increased from nymphs to adults to eggs. Complete control of all life stages was achieved in 12 h under -982 mbar (-29.0 inHg) vacuum at 30°C. This study demonstrated that bed bugs were very susceptible to low oxygen stresses and ULO and vacuum treatments have potential to be used as effective and safe treatments to decontaminate bed bug-infested removable objects.
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Diffusion Rates and Dispersal Patterns of Unfed versus Recently Fed Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius L.). INSECTS 2015; 6:792-804. [PMID: 26466900 PMCID: PMC4693170 DOI: 10.3390/insects6040792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bed bug problems have been increasing since the 1980s, and accordingly, there have been intensive efforts to better understand their biology and behavior for control purposes. Understanding bed bug diffusion rates and dispersal patterns from one site to another (or lack thereof) is a key component in prevention and control campaigns. This study analyzed diffusion rates and dispersal patterns in a population of bed bugs, recently fed and unfed, in both one-dimensional and two-dimensional settings. When placed in the middle of a 71 cm × 2.7 cm artificial lane, approximately half of the bugs regardless of feeding status stayed at or near the release point during the 10 min observation periods, while about a fourth of them walked to the end of the lane. When placed in the middle of an arena measuring 51 cm × 76 cm and allowed to walk in any direction, approximately one-fourth of bed bugs, fed or unfed, still remained near their release point (no significant difference between fed or unfed). As for long-distance dispersal, 11/50 (22%) of recently fed bed bugs moved as far as possible in the arena during the 10 min replications, while only 2/50 (4%) unfed bed bugs moved to the maximum distance. This difference was significantly different (p < 0.0038), and indicates that unfed bed bugs did not move as far as recently fed ones. A mathematical diffusion model was used to quantify bed bug movements and an estimated diffusion rate range of 0.00006 cm²/s to 0.416 cm²/s was determined, which is almost no movement to a predicted root mean squared distance of approximately 19 cm per 10 min. The results of this study suggest that bed bugs, upon initial introduction into a new area, would have a difficult time traversing long distances when left alone to randomly disperse.
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Cooper R, Wang C, Singh N. Mark-Release-Recapture Reveals Extensive Movement of Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) within and between Apartments. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136462. [PMID: 26352145 PMCID: PMC4564232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding movement and dispersal of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) under field conditions is important in the control of infestations and for managing the spread of bed bugs to new locations. We investigated bed bug movement within and between apartments using mark-release-recapture (m-r-r) technique combined with apartment-wide monitoring using pitfall-style interceptors. Bed bugs were collected, marked, and released in six apartments. The distribution of marked and unmarked bed bugs in these apartments and their 24 neighboring units were monitored over 32 days. Extensive movement of marked bed bugs within and between apartments occurred regardless of the number of bed bugs released or presence/absence of a host. Comparison of marked and unmarked bed bug distributions confirms that the extensive bed bug activity observed was not an artifact of the m-r-r technique used. Marked bed bugs were recovered in apartments neighboring five of six m-r-r apartments. Their dispersal rates at 14 or 15 d were 0.0–5.0%. The estimated number of bed bugs per apartment in the six m-r-r apartments was 2,433–14,291 at 4–7 d after release. Longevity of bed bugs in the absence of a host was recorded in a vacant apartment. Marked large nymphs (3rd– 5th instar), adult females, and adult males continued to be recovered up to 57, 113, and 134 d after host absence, respectively. Among the naturally existing unmarked bed bugs, unfed small nymphs (1st– 2nd instar) were recovered up to 134 d; large nymphs and adults were still found at 155 d when the study ended. Our findings provide important insight into the behavioral ecology of bed bugs in infested apartments and have significant implications in regards to eradication programs and managing the spread of bed bugs within multi-occupancy dwellings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Cooper
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Changlu Wang
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Narinderpal Singh
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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Marliére NP, Latorre-Estivalis JM, Lorenzo MG, Carrasco D, Alves-Silva J, Rodrigues JDO, Ferreira LDL, Lara LDM, Lowenberger C, Guarneri AA. Trypanosomes Modify the Behavior of Their Insect Hosts: Effects on Locomotion and on the Expression of a Related Gene. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003973. [PMID: 26291723 PMCID: PMC4546274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a result of evolution, the biology of triatomines must have been significantly adapted to accommodate trypanosome infection in a complex network of vector-vertebrate-parasite interactions. Arthropod-borne parasites have probably developed mechanisms, largely still unknown, to exploit the vector-vertebrate host interactions to ensure their transmission to suitable hosts. Triatomines exhibit a strong negative phototaxis and nocturnal activity, believed to be important for insect survival against its predators. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we quantified phototaxis and locomotion in starved fifth instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus infected with Trypanosoma cruzi or Trypanosoma rangeli. T. cruzi infection did not alter insect phototaxis, but induced an overall 20% decrease in the number of bug locomotory events. Furthermore, the significant differences induced by this parasite were concentrated at the beginning of the scotophase. Conversely, T. rangeli modified both behaviors, as it significantly decreased bug negative phototaxis, while it induced a 23% increase in the number of locomotory events in infected bugs. In this case, the significant effects were observed during the photophase. We also investigated the expression of Rpfor, the triatomine ortholog of the foraging gene known to modulate locomotion in other insects, and found a 4.8 fold increase for T. rangeli infected insects. Conclusions/Significance We demonstrated for the first time that trypanosome infection modulates the locomotory activity of the invertebrate host. T. rangeli infection seems to be more broadly effective, as besides affecting the intensity of locomotion this parasite also diminished negative phototaxis and the expression of a behavior-associated gene in the triatomine vector. The control of Chagas disease, an infection that affects ca. 8 million people in Latin America, is mostly based on vector control activities. Understanding vector biology and how these insects interact with their environment, hosts and pathogens is crucial to improve vector control strategies. The behavior of triatomines has been largely studied, yet few reports have focused on the behavioral effects of the interaction that these insects endure with their natural parasites. Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli are two protozoan parasites found naturally infecting Rhodnius species. In this study, we showed for the first time that the locomotory activity of Rhodnius prolixus, a relevant vector of Chagas disease, is affected by trypanosome infection. T. cruzi was found to decrease bug locomotory activity during night hours, while T. rangeli promoted a generally increased insect locomotion. In addition, we searched for the R. prolixus orthologue (Rpfor) of a gene associated with the modulation of insect activity (foraging gene) and found that Rpfor expression was also affected by trypanosome infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newmar Pinto Marliére
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Gustavo Lorenzo
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - David Carrasco
- Chemical Ecology Group, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Juliana Alves-Silva
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luisa de Melo Lara
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alessandra Aparecida Guarneri
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Singh N, Wang C, Cooper R. Role of vision and mechanoreception in bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. behavior. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118855. [PMID: 25748041 PMCID: PMC4351988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of olfactory cues such as carbon dioxide, pheromones, and kairomones in bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. behavior has been demonstrated. However, the role of vision and mechanoreception in bed bug behavior is poorly understood. We investigated bed bug vision by determining their responses to different colors, vertical objects, and their ability to detect colors and vertical objects under low and complete dark conditions. Results show black and red paper harborages are preferred compared to yellow, green, blue, and white harborages. A bed bug trapping device with a black or red exterior surface was significantly more attractive to bed bugs than that with a white exterior surface. Bed bugs exhibited strong orientation behavior toward vertical objects. The height (15 vs. 30 cm tall) and color (brown vs. black) of the vertical object had no significant effect on orientation behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs could differentiate color and detect vertical objects at very low background light conditions, but not in complete darkness. Bed bug preference to different substrate textures (mechanoreception) was also explored. Bed bugs preferred dyed tape compared to painted tape, textured painted plastic, and felt. These results revealed that substrate color, presence of vertical objects, and substrate texture affect host-seeking and harborage-searching behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs may use a combination of vision, mechanoreception, and chemoreception to locate hosts and seek harborages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narinderpal Singh
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Changlu Wang
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Richard Cooper
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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DeVries ZC, Kells SA, Appel AG. Effects of starvation and molting on the metabolic rate of the bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.). Physiol Biochem Zool 2014; 88:53-65. [PMID: 25590593 DOI: 10.1086/679499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) is a common hematophagous pest in the urban environment and is capable of surviving extended periods of starvation. However, the relationship between starvation and metabolism in bed bugs is not well understood. To better understand this relationship, we measured the metabolism of all life stages for >900 h after feeding (starvation) using closed-system respirometry. Measurements were made around molting for the immature life stages, which occurs only after a blood meal. In addition, both mated and unmated adults were measured. Starvation and molting had significant effects on the metabolism of the bed bug. Mass-specific metabolic rate (V(O2); mL g(-1) h(-1)) declined in a curvilinear fashion with the period of starvation for adults and with the postmolting period for immature bed bugs (used to standardize all immature life stages). A standard curve was developed to depict the generalized pattern of metabolic decline observed in all life stages that molted. Individual metabolic comparisons among life stages that molted revealed some differences in metabolic rate between unmated males and females. In addition, the mass scaling coefficient was found to decline with starvation time (postmolting time) for all life stages that molted. In most life stages, the ratio of V(CO2) to V(O2) (respiratory exchange ratio) declined over time, indicating a change in metabolic substrate with starvation. Finally, daily percent loss in body mass declined in a pattern similar to that of V(O2). The observed patterns in metabolic decline are evaluated in relation to the life history of bed bugs. In addition, the evolutionary development of these patterns is discussed. The metabolic pattern after feeding was also found to share several similarities with that of other ectothermic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary C DeVries
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, 301 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849; 2Department of Entomology, 219 Hodson Hall, 1980 Folwell Avenue, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108
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The odorant receptor co-receptor from the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113692. [PMID: 25411789 PMCID: PMC4239089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. has re-emerged as a serious and growing problem in many parts of the world. Presence of resistant bed bugs and the difficulty to eliminate them has renewed interest in alternative control tactics. Similar to other haematophagous arthropods, bed bugs rely on their olfactory system to detect semiochemicals in the environment. Previous studies have morphologically characterized olfactory organs of bed bugs’ antenna and have physiologically evaluated the responses of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) to host-derived chemicals. To date, odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) associated with these olfaction processes have not been studied in bed bugs. Chemoreception in insects requires formation of heteromeric complexes of ORs and a universal OR coreceptor (Orco). Orco is the constant chain of every odorant receptor in insects and is critical for insect olfaction but does not directly bind to odorants. Orco agonists and antagonists have been suggested as high-value targets for the development of novel insect repellents. In this study, we have performed RNAseq of bed bug sensory organs and identified several odorant receptors as well as Orco. We characterized Orco expression and investigated the effect of chemicals targeting Orco on bed bug behavior and reproduction. We have identified partial cDNAs of six C. lectularius OBPs and 16 ORs. Full length bed bug Orco was cloned and sequenced. Orco is widely expressed in different parts of the bed bug including OR neurons and spermatozoa. Treatment of bed bugs with the agonist VUAA1 changed bed bug pheromone-induced aggregation behavior and inactivated spermatozoa. We have described and characterized for the first time OBPs, ORs and Orco in bed bugs. Given the importance of these molecules in chemoreception of this insect they are interesting targets for the development of novel insect behavior modifiers.
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Fresquet N, Lazzari CR. Daily variation of the response to heat in Rhodnius prolixus: the roles of light and temperature as synchronisers. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 70:36-40. [PMID: 25200474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Triatominae are blood-sucking insects that localise their hosts with their multimodal host associated perceptive signals. Among that sensory information, one of the main short-range cue is heat which, even in isolation, is able to trigger the Proboscis Extension Response (PER) preceding the bite. Previous studies have demonstrated a rhythmic variation of the response to host signals compatible with the nocturnal habits of triatomine insects. This study was aimed at determining whether the PER to heat was also modulated by a daily variation and, if so, if it was an endogenous or exogenous rhythm. We also investigated what was used as a synchroniser between light and temperature. The results showed that alternation of light and darkness was required to ensure a high level of responsiveness to heat in early scotophase while the temperature cycle appeared with a weaker synchronisation power. We concluded that the responsiveness to heat was an exogenous rhythm synchronised by a complementary control of light and temperature cycles. The involvement of two synchronisers hierarchically organised might have increased the plasticity of the host-seeking behaviour to cope with environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Fresquet
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR CNRS 7261, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.
| | - Claudio R Lazzari
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR CNRS 7261, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
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Aak A, Rukke BA, Soleng A, Rosnes MK. Questing activity in bed bug populations: male and female responses to host signals. PHYSIOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 39:199-207. [PMID: 26166936 PMCID: PMC4491371 DOI: 10.1111/phen.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A large-arena bioassay is used to examine sex differences in spatiotemporal patterns of bed bug Cimex lectularius L. behavioural responses to either a human host or CO2 gas. After release in the centre of the arena, 90% of newly-fed bed bugs move to hiding places in the corners within 24 h. They require 3 days to settle down completely in the arena, with generally low activity levels and the absence of responses to human stimuli for 5 days. After 8-9 days, persistent responses can be recorded. Sex differences are observed, in which females are more active during establishment, respond faster after feeding, expose themselves more than males during the daytime, and respond more strongly to the host signal. The number of bed bugs that rest in harbourages is found to vary significantly according to light setting and sex. Both sexes stay inside harbourages more in daylight compared with night, and males hide more than females during the daytime but not during the night. The spatial distribution of the bed bugs is also found to change with the presence of CO2, and peak aggregation around the odour source is observed after 24 min. Both male and female bed bugs move from hiding places or the border of the arena toward the centre where CO2 is released. Peak responses are always highest during the night. Bed bug behaviour and behaviour-regulating features are discussed in the context of control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Aak
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public HealthOslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn A Rukke
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public HealthOslo, Norway
| | - Arnulf Soleng
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public HealthOslo, Norway
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Vermunt A, Hare KM, Besson AA. Unusual change in activity pattern at cool temperature in a reptile (Sphenodon punctatus). J Therm Biol 2014; 42:40-5. [PMID: 24802147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2014.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Animals that can be active both during day and night offer unique opportunities to identify factors that influence activity pattern. By experimental manipulations of temperatures under constant photoperiod, we aimed to determine if emergence, activity and thermoregulatory behaviour of juvenile tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) varied at different temperatures (20°C, 12°C and 5°C). To help clarify its activity pattern, we compared tuatara with two lizard species endemic of the South Island of New Zealand for which activity pattern is known and clearly defined: the nocturnal common gecko Woodworthia "Otago/Southland" and the diurnal McCann׳s skink Oligosoma maccanni. Tuatara showed similar responses to both species of lizards. Similar to the diurnal skinks, tuatara emerged quickly at 20°C and 12°C while nocturnal geckos took more time to emerge. Like nocturnal geckos, tuatara continued to be active at 5°C, but only during the day. Interestingly, tuatara shifted from diurno-nocturnal activity at 20°C and 12°C to being strictly diurnal at 5°C. We suggest that this temperature-dependent strategy maximises their survival during cold periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Vermunt
- Biogéosciences, CNRS UMR 6282, Université de Bourgogne, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Kelly M Hare
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Research Office, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Anne A Besson
- Biogéosciences, CNRS UMR 6282, Université de Bourgogne, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France; Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
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Romero A, Schal C. Blood constituents as phagostimulants for the bed bug Cimex lectularius L. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 217:552-7. [PMID: 24198260 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.096727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many hematophagous arthropods are stimulated by blood constituents to initiate feeding. We used a membrane-based feeding system to identify chemicals that stimulate acceptance and engorgement responses in various life stages of bed bugs. Water was fortified with a variety of compounds (e.g. salts, amino acids, vitamins, nucleotides, cholesterol and fatty acids) in these bioassays. ATP was the most effective phagostimulant in adults and nymphs, resulting in >70% of bed bugs fully engorging. Addition of NaCl to low ATP solutions that alone elicited <50% engorgement significantly enhanced feeding responses of bed bugs. A comparison of feeding responses with solutions of various adenine nucleotides showed that ATP was more stimulatory than ADP, which was more effective than AMP. Feeding assays with physiological levels of other blood constituents such as d-glucose, albumin, globulin, cholesterol and mixtures of vitamins and amino acids did not stimulate engorgement, suggesting that adenine nucleotides are the most important feeding stimulants in bed bugs. Identification of phagostimulants for bed bugs will contribute towards the development of artificial diets for rearing purposes, as well as for the development of alternative methods to eliminate bed bug infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Romero
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, PO Box 30003, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003, USA
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Horizontal transfer of diatomaceous earth and botanical insecticides in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L.; hemiptera: cimicidae. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75626. [PMID: 24086593 PMCID: PMC3783411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Horizontal transfer of insecticide occurs when insects contact or ingest an insecticide, return to an aggregation or a nest, and transfer the insecticide to other conspecific insects through contact. This phenomenon has been reported in a number of insects including social insects, however it has not been reported in bed bugs. Since horizontal transfer can facilitate the spread of insecticide into hard to reach spaces, it could contribute greatly to the management of these public health pests. Methodology/Results To demonstrate horizontal transfer of diatomaceous earth and botanical insecticides in C. lectularius, an exposed (donor) bed bug, following a 10-minute acquisition period, was placed with unexposed (recipient) bed bugs. Mortality data clearly demonstrates that diatomaceous earth (DE 51) was actively transferred from a single exposed bug to unexposed bugs in a concentration dependent manner. LC50 values varied from 24.4 mg at 48 h to 5.1 mg at 216 h when a single exposed bed bug was placed with 5 unexposed bed bugs. LT50 values also exhibited a concentration response. LT50 values varied from 1.8 days to 8.4 days when a ‘donor’ bug exposed to 20 and 5 mg of dust respectively was placed with 5 ‘recipient’ bugs. Dust was also actively transferred from adult bed bugs to the nymphs. In addition we observed horizontal transfer of botanical insecticides including neem, ryania, and rotenone to varying degrees. Conclusion/Significance Our data clearly demonstrate horizontal transfer of diatomaceous earth and botanical insecticides in the common bed bug, C. lectularius. Use of a fluorescent dust provided visual confirmation that contaminated bed bugs transfer dust to untreated bed bugs in harborage. This result is important because bedbugs live in hard-to-reach places and interaction between conspecifics can be exploited for delivery and dissemination of management products directed at this public health pest.
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Jones SC, Bryant JL. Ineffectiveness of over-the-counter total-release foggers against the bed bug (Heteroptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 105:957-963. [PMID: 22812136 DOI: 10.1603/ec12037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Field-collected bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) showed little, if any, adverse effects after 2-h direct exposure to the aerosolized pyrethroid(s) from three over-the-counter total-release foggers ('bug bombs' or 'foggers'); Hotshot Bedbug and Flea Fogger, Spectracide Bug Stop Indoor Fogger, and Eliminator Indoor Fogger. One field-collected population, EPM, was an exception in that there was significant mortality at 5-7 d when bugs out in the open had been exposed to the Spectracide Fogger; mortality was low when these bugs had access to an optional harborage, a situation observed for all field-collected populations when exposed to the three foggers. Even the Harlan strain, the long-term laboratory population that is susceptible to pyrethroids and that served as an internal control in these experiments, was unaffected if the bugs were covered by a thin cloth layer that provided harborage. In residences and other settings, the majority of bed bugs hide in protected sites where they will not be directly contracted by the insecticide mist from foggers. This study provides the first scientific data supporting the position that total-release foggers should not be recommended for control of bed bugs, because 1) many field-collected bed bugs are resistant to pyrethroids, and they are not affected by brief exposure to low concentrations of pyrethrins and/or pyrethroids provided by foggers; and 2) there is minimal, if any, insecticide penetration into typical bed bug harborage sites. This study provides strong evidence that Hotshot Bedbug and Flea Fogger, Spectracide Bug Stop Indoor Fogger, and Eliminator Indoor Fogger were ineffective as bed bug control agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Jones
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1065, USA.
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Weeks EN, Logan JG, Birkett MA, Pickett JA, Cameron MM. Tracking bed bugs (Cimex lectularius): a study of the effect of physiological and extrinsic factors on the response to bed bug-derived volatiles. J Exp Biol 2012; 216:460-9. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.074930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Summary
The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, feeds on the blood of mammal and bird hosts, and is a pest of global importance. Semiochemicals are chemicals involved in animal communication that may affect behaviour and/or physiology. Attractive semiochemicals that play a role in mediating bed bug behaviour could be exploited for the development of a highly effective novel monitoring device. Tracking software, was used to record the response of bed bugs to volatiles from paper previously exposed to conspecific bugs in a still-air olfactometer illuminated by infrared lights, through a variety of activity variables. The effect of time of day as an extrinsic factor, and sex, stage, mating status and nutritional status as physiological factors on the response of bed bugs to the volatiles was examined. Bed bugs of both sexes and all stages responded to the volatiles from bed bug-exposed papers, showing significant attraction and orientation towards the volatile source whether they were starved or engorged. Confirmation that the physiological factors examined do not affect the response of bed bugs to the volatiles from bed bug-exposed papers provides evidence that these bed bug derived volatiles contain aggregation cues, as semiochemicals that promote aggregation should by definition be detected by both sexes and all life stages. A device baited with such semiochemicals could play a major role in limiting the impact of the current bed bug resurgence by enabling timely detection of infestations, along with quantitative evaluation of control and effective surveillance of the geographical distribution of the pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma N.I. Weeks
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Rothamstead Research; University of Florida
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Reis MD, Miller DM. Host Searching and Aggregation Activity of Recently Fed and Unfed Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius L.). INSECTS 2011; 2:186-94. [PMID: 26467621 PMCID: PMC4553457 DOI: 10.3390/insects2020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Groups of starved, virgin adult male or female bed bugs were stimulated to search for a host by the presence of a heated artificial feeder. Some of the bed bug groups were allowed to obtain a blood meal and some were not. After the removal of the feeder, bed bugs were observed throughout the scotophase to record their searching and aggregation behavior. Groups of male and female bed bugs that were unable to obtain a blood meal continued to search in the arena for the majority of the scotophase. Bed bugs that were able to obtain a blood meal returned to their shelter to aggregate 30 min after feeding. Overall, the proportion of bed bugs aggregating in shelters during the scotophase was significantly greater for those that had fed successfully than those that had not. However, all bed bugs, regardless of feeding status, began to return to shelters to aggregate 2 h prior to the photophase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Reis
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, 216A Price Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Dini M Miller
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, 216A Price Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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Stress Tolerance of Bed Bugs: A Review of Factors That Cause Trauma to Cimex lectularius and C. Hemipterus. INSECTS 2011; 2:151-72. [PMID: 26467619 PMCID: PMC4553455 DOI: 10.3390/insects2020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent emergence of bed bugs (Cimex spp.) has prompted a significant expansion of research devoted to this pest. The ability to survive and recover from stress has significant implications on the distribution and survival of insects, and bed bugs are no exception. Research on bed bug stress tolerance has shown considerable progress and necessitates a review on this topic. Bed bugs have an extraordinary ability to resist dehydration between bloodmeals, and this represents a critical factor allowing their prolonged survival when no host is available. High relative humidities are detrimental to bed bugs, leading to reduced survival in comparison to those held at lower relative humidities. Continual exposure of bed bugs, eggs and mobile stages, to temperatures below freezing and short term exposure (=1 h) to temperatures below -16 to -18 °C results in mortality. The upper thermal limit for short term exposure of eggs, nymphs and adults is between 40-45 °C for the common (Cimex lectularius) and tropical (C. hemipterus) bed bugs. Long-term exposure to temperatures above 35 °C results in significant reduction in survival of mobile bed bugs. Eggs for C. lectularius and C. hemipterus are no longer viable when held below 10 °C or above 37 °C throughout embryogenesis. Blood feeding, although necessary for survival and reproduction, is discussed as a stress due to thermal and osmotic fluctuations that result from ingesting a warm bloodmeal from a vertebrate host. Cold, heat, water stress and blood feeding prompted the expression of heat shock proteins (Hsps). Pesticide application is a common human-induced stress for urban pests, and recent studies have documented pesticide resistance in many bed bug populations. High levels of traumatic insemination (mating) of bed bugs has been linked to reduced survival and fecundity along with possibly exposing individuals to microbial infections after cuticular penetration by the paramere (=male reproductive organ), thus represents a form of sexual stress. Additionally, less common stress types such as microbial infections that have been documented in bed bugs will be discussed. Overall, this review provides a current update of research related to bed bug stress tolerance and how their ability to resist stressful conditions has lead to their expansion and proliferation.
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Suchy JT, Lewis VR. Host-Seeking Behavior in the Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius. INSECTS 2011; 2:22-35. [PMID: 26467497 PMCID: PMC4553421 DOI: 10.3390/insects2010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The reemergence of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, has recently spawned a frenzy of public, media, and academic attention. In response to the growing rate of infestation, considerable work has been focused on identifying the various host cues utilized by the bed bug in search of a meal. Most of these behavioral studies examine movement within a confined environment, such as a Petri dish. This has prevented a more complete understanding of the insect's host-seeking process. This work describes a novel method for studying host-seeking behavior, using various movement parameters, in a time-lapse photography system. With the use of human breath as an attractant, we qualitatively and quantitatively assessed how bed bugs navigate their environment between its harborage and the host. Levels of behavioral activity varied dramatically between bed bugs in the presence and absence of host odor. Bed bugs demonstrated not simply activation, but attraction to the chemical components of breath. Localized, stop-start host-seeking behavior or alternating periods of movement and pause were observed among bed bugs placed in the environment void of human breath, while those exposed to human breath demonstrated long range, stop-start host-seeking behavior. A more comprehensive understanding of bed bug host-seeking can lead to the development of traps and monitors that account for unique subtleties in their behavior. The time-lapse photography system uses a large, artificial environment and could also be employed to study other aspects of the insect's behavioral patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Suchy
- Department of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Vernard R Lewis
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Abstract
A recent study in BMC Biology has determined that the immature stage of the bed bug (the nymph) signals its reproductive status to adult males using pheromones and thus avoids the trauma associated with copulation in this species. The success of this nymphal strategy of deterrence is instructive. Against the background of increasing problems with bed bugs, this research raises the question whether pheromones might be used to control them. See research article http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7007/8/121
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