OBJECTIVE:

To increase the knowledge of the morphology of the eggs of Triatoma pintodiasi by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), allowing the visualization of characteristics that can be patterns for characterization and identification of this species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

For the optical microscopy, 12 eggs were selected shortly after to be laid, and observed through the stereoscopic magnifying glass for viewing the anatomical structures and the assessment of measurements. For the morphometry, the micrometric scale was used, and later analyzed by a software for medium leakage and standard deviation. For the selection of the areas and observations of their structures, 10 eggs were selected, prepared, metalized with gold and analyzed by SEM. The egg body was divided into three areas, with the counting of perforations in three cells of each area, aiming to minimize the fraction of errors of counting and measurement of structures.

RESULTS:

The median values for the eggs were 1.51 mm in length and 0.89 mm in width, body with exocory in the first third of the extension of the egg presenting polygonal cells, varying pentagonal and hexagonal. Body cells showed sparse perforations ranging from 21 to 35 holes in each cell. Lightly prominent opérculo formed by bulged polygonal cells.

CONCLUSION:

The analysis showed structural similarities between T. pintodiasi and Triatoma circummaculata, but the configuration of the first third of the exochorium is an important feature and can be the basis for further studies on these species.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish     · text in Portuguese | Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf ) | Portuguese ( pdf )