This is a photograph of an adult kissing bug, the most common species (Triatoma rubida) found in the greater Tucson area (Arizona). (photograph - Jillian Savary)

Thank you ARIZONA!

...for your overwhelming response to our request for kissing bugs!  We collected almost 700 kissing bugs from Tucson and the surrounding areas in 2009!

The adult kissing bug season is over until next Spring, so relax and give yourself a pat on the back.  We hope to be able to continue this work and will keep you posted.

Your efforts make OUR research possible!  Thanks again!

Blood-sucking bugs, such as T.rubida, are commonly known in Arizona as kissing bugs, cone-nose bugs, or Mexican bed bugs. These kissing bugs are important to human health in the Southwestern United States because of the ALLERGIC REACTIONS THEIR BITES MAY CAUSE. They also are being tested for a parasite that causes Chagas Disease, although no documented cases have been reported in Arizona and only 10-12 cases have been reported in the United States.

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