Triatoma protracta

Triatoma protracta (commonly called Western Conenose, vinchuca, Mexican bedbugs or Kissing Bug) is an assassin bug (family Reduviidae) of the order Hemiptera. A 2 cm, brown-black nocturnal insect found in forests. Common in the southwestern USA.

This particular species lives in association, and feeds almost exclusively on wood rats of the genus Neotoma. While this species carries a nonvirulent strain of Chagas disease that does not manifest symptoms in humans, it is still dangerous, as its bite is extraordinarily painful, and its powerful venom, released during feeding, can cause anaphylactic shock.

Триатома протракта Triatoma protracta