This is an adult female Kissing Bug (likely a Triatoma gertaeckeri). This photograph was taken in Hutchins, Texas and comes to us courtesy of Penny Halstead.

These bugs are attracted to the warmth of breath and body heat, and like mosquitos, they feed on their host’s blood. The Kissing Bug is a vector for Chagas disease, which is rarely seen in the United States.

Kissing Bug - Getting Fresh

Observation Details

County Dallas Hutchins - RWRC
City Hutchins
Date Jun 22, 2013
Time of Day Noon
Temperature Hot (greater than 89°F/32°C)
Weather Partly Cloudy
Habitat Recreation-Park
Type of Behavior Stationary
Gender Female
Maturity Adult
Observer Penny Halstead
Main Article Kissing Bug Observation Location

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