FILE – Giant insect found at Walmart in Arkansas identified as Jurassic period insect
The giant lacewing was common in eastern North America, but mysteriously disappeared in the 1950s. Scientists previously thought that increased light pollution and a decrease in raging wildfires in eastern North America may have played a role in its disappearance.
NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. – Scientists are concerned about the first discovery in Delaware of bugs carrying a parasite that can cause serious heart problems or even death if not treated promptly.
It’s even more concerning because researchers say there’s a significant population of these large black-and-orange insects in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Last July, a New Castle County resident found a kissing bug on his pillow while getting ready for bed. Three months later, they found another similar bug on a baking sheet in their kitchen. Both bugs were the same size, shape, and color.
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Kissing bugs are vectors of a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can lead to serious heart problems. Jennifer K. Peterson, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware and a medical entomologist, is studying kissing bugs in Delaware after two were discovered in homes in the northern part of the state. (Kathy F. Atkinson/University of Delaware)
Entomologists from the University of Delaware discovered that in both cases the bugs were kissing bugs of the species Triatoma sanguisuga. These bugs carry the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease.
“It’s not surprising that it was infected,” said Jennifer K. Peterson, a UD assistant professor and medical entomologist who identified the two specimens as kissing bugs. “It’s more of a wake-up call that this bug needs to be studied.”
Chagas disease affects an estimated 6-7 million people worldwide. The parasitic infection causes flu-like symptoms shortly after infection and a years-long phase of silent reproduction in the host’s tissues.
Kissing bugs infected with T. cruzi transmit the parasite through their feces. The chance of a kissing bug biting someone, then pooping on the bite and transmitting the parasite is small.
“But as with everything, the more times you roll the dice, the greater the chance of getting the most unlikely combination,” Peterson adds.
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A red and black kissing bug from Missouri. (Adobe Stock)
Research in other parts of the US has found that 30-60% of kissing bugs are infected, according to researchers from the University of Texas, who attributed the discovery of the two kissing bugs in a new paper published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Peterson said kissing bugs are likely native to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic and have been there for thousands of years, but the region has been understudied. She also wasn’t surprised to find two kissing bugs in the same area months apart, since they tend to live in natural habitats that are driven by food.
“If there’s not enough food in the forest and a kissing bug sees some twinkling lights coming from someone’s house, it will fly over to see if there’s anything to eat,” she said.
The homeowner waited months to get tested for T. cruzi antibodies and ultimately tested negative for Chagas disease. This case highlights a systemic gap that needs attention, Peterson said.
“The bugs are here,” she adds. “They’re making contact with people. This article is written to illustrate that there’s a hole in the system.”
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Kissing bugs infected with T. cruzi spread the parasite through their feces. (Adobe Stock)
The aim is to determine the location, diet, breeding sites and prevalence of T. cruzi parasite infection of the bug.
“I hesitate to say that people should be concerned or worried,” Peterson said. “I’m more of an advocate of arming yourself with knowledge.”
Peterson wants to develop an easily accessible resource that the public can refer to if they encounter a bug.
“That could be an app or an awareness campaign, for example, that can ensure that people quickly get the information or help they need if they come into contact with one of these insects,” Peterson said.