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A Comparison of the Physiology of the Two Species of Bed-bug which Attack Man

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

Kenneth Mellanby
Kenneth Mellanby
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
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Extract

The two species of bed-bug, Cimex lectularius and C. rotundatus, are found in temperate and tropical regions respectively. They are very similar anatomically, and have the same habits.

Physiologically, the two species have many resemblances. Their water balance is similar; they are very little affected by humidity if there is plenty of food available. The thermal death-points are identical.

At temperatures below 30° C., C. lectularius is able to breed more rapidly and more successfully than C. rotundatus. Between 30 and 35° C. both species behave alike, and above 35° C. C. rotundatus may be the more efficient species. Under most conditions, C. lectularius is the more resistant to starvation and desiccation.

Results indicate that although C. lectularius is more fitted for life in temperate countries, if introduced into the tropics it should be able to carry on at least as well as C. rotundatus.

Studies of geographical distribution indicate that C. rotundatus has spread all over the tropics, but has never established itself outside them. C. lectularius has spread all over the temperate world, and into the ports in some tropical countries. Experimental work suggests that it may become widespread in those parts of the tropics into which it is introduced.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 27 , Issue 1 , February 1935 , pp. 111 - 122
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1935

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References

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