抄録
The insects of the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, agent of Chagas disease, endemic in Latin America, but not recorded in the rest of the world. The increasing migration flows open the possibility for a spreading of T.cruzi in non-endemic countries. Autochtonous species of triatomine bugs are recorded in South-East Asia but data on their actual distribution and behaviour as a possible vector and/or pest are considerably lacking. Very outdated records of three species are the only available informations regarding the triatomine bugs in the Philippines. In order to confirm the alleged presence of the bug there, a preliminary field trip of one month was undertaken between December 2011 and January 2012. In Quezon City (the biggest municipality in Metro Manila) and in the outskirts of Tarlac City (Tarlac province), the local population was inquired about their awareness of the presence of the bug. A general knowledge both of the existence and the behaviour of the triatomine bugs was found, especially among the humble people; if inquired, they also frequently reported of big painful swellings on the skin after episodes of bites. Reportedly, the insect is mainly found inside the habitations and during nighttime. Through those connections was possible to collect a few specimen in Quezon City, all identified as Triatoma rubrofasciata. Quezon City is a highly urbanized area and the specimen were collected in the slums; old and sometimes miserable dwellings were the collection sites. This collection represents the first record of T.rubrofasciata in the Philippines since the '40s. According to this preliminary survey the triatomine bugs are likely to be widely distributed all over the country and frequently involved in episodes of human blood feeding.
