Abstract

As a classical point of view, Panstrongylus geniculatus has been considered as a secondary vector of Trypanosoma cruzi protozoon, the etiological agent of Chagas Disease, because of its association with sylvatic areas, among other factors. However, in the last years, it has been found repeatedly in domiciles of rural and urban environments, where it has been identified by observation of eggs, nymphs, exuviae, and adult forms. The structural characteristics of the eggs could be useful to obtain information of interest that facilitates an identification and discrimination of species living in such environments. The aim of this work was to analyze by mean of optical and scanning electron microscopy, first filial generation eggs (F1) obtained from specimens of P. geniculatus maintained in laboratory conditions. The parental specimens of this colony were captured in Rio Claro, at the center-west of Venezuela. The analysis showed that length and maximum width eggs were 1.73 mm and 1.25 mm, respectively and a narrow neck were observed; 120 aeropyles were calculated in the spermatic gutter and 142 micropyles in the external region of the chorial rim on a prominent and convex operculum; polygonal cells covered with cement were observed on the operculum surface and on the shell. The structure of the micropylar system could contribute to identify and distinguish the adaptations of this specie to different habitats.