Analysis of the distribution of triatomines is essential for formulating control strategies for Chagas disease in the Amazon region. In this paper, the results from trapping in wild and artificial environments in rural and urban localities in Manaus, Amazonas, are presented. Out of the 115 triatomines collected, 85 (73.9%) were of the species Rhodnius pictipes, 25 (21.7%) of Rhodnius robustus and five (4.4%) of Panstrongylus geniculatus. The rate of natural infection by flagellates was 5.9% for Rhodnius pictipes and 8% for Rhodnius robustus. None of the specimens of Panstrongylus geniculatus were infected. All of the infected specimens were from forest fragments in the urban zone. It was found that 106 insects (92.2%) were collected from the forest environment and nine (7.8%) in households, by means of the active search. The genus Rhodnius clearly predominated in the wild environment. The specimens of Panstrongylus geniculatus (all adults) were collected inside homes. There were no signs of domestic colonization by triatomines.
Rhodnius pictipes; Rhodnius robustus; Panstrongylus geniculatus; State of Amazonas
