True Bugs
Hemiptera (hemi = half; ptera = wings)
An adult conenose bug which vectors Chagas' Disease. The bugs are also called kissing bugs and reduviid bugs.
Description
![reduviid_adult](/historybug/images/reduviid_adult_DVCC.jpg)
An adult conenose bug which vectors Chagas' Disease. The bugs are also called kissing bugs and reduviid bugs. US Navy Disease Vector Ecology and Control Center.
Metamorphosis: gradual (egg to nymph to adult).
Immature: like adult, but wingless, or with wing pads
Adult: sucking mouthparts, four or no wings, forewings thickened at base and membranous at tip, mouthparts form a beak arising from the head
Habitat: Most true bugs feed on vegetation. Some are aquatic. Other species are predators of other insects. A few species are ectoparasites of birds and mammals.
Classification and Groups: 44 families and 4,600 species in North America.
Medically Important Families:
- Reduviidae - assassin and conenose or kissing bugs. About 2,500 species worldwide (subfamily Triatominae vectors Chagas' disease)
- Cimicidae - bed bugs. At least 75 species worldwide.