Triatoma sanguisuga (Le Conte) — eastern conenose bug

Ex Homo sapiens (human): TN, Sevier Co., Twin Creeks, 15 Jun. 2002, I. Stocks, L­3024; TN, Sevier Co., Park Headquarters, 4 May 1994, D. DeFoe

Triatoma or kissing bugs are blood feeding ectoparasites of vertebrates. Triatoma sanguisuga feed on rodents, raccoons, opossums, and humans (Ryckman 1986). This bug is a potential vecor of Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas’ disease (Beard et al. 1988).