Morphological and ultrastructural analysis of an important place of sexual communication of Rhodnius prolixus (Heteroptera: Reduviidae): the Metasternal Glands.

Rhodnius prolixus is an important vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Insect adults have a pair of Metasternal Glands (MGs) and the secretion emitted by these glands acts as sex pheromone. Recent studies have focused on the chemical composition of this pheromone, electrophysiological responses to MGs compounds and mating behavior assays.