Conenose or Kissing Bug
Physical Features
The adult conenose bug is 3/4 to 1 inch long and dark gray to black in color. Wings overlap on the top of the abdomen forming a distinct letter “X”. Abdomen is wide and flattened. Head is cone-shaped with a short, curved mouthpart. 3-segmented proboscis (beak) extends backward below the body.
Life Cycle
Gradual metamorphosis
Eggs are laid in summer and take 3-5 weeks to hatch. Nymphs go through 5 stages requiring a blood meal and molting before entering the next stage. The nymph stage lasts through winter before entering the adult stage in the spring. Adults are capable of flying since wings are developed. Feeding takes 20-30 minutes and 1 week to digest.
Habits
- Diet: Blood feeders
- Activity: Feed at night and rest during the day, fly long distances to feed
- Preferred Climate: Temperate
- Defense: Large insect that can be intimidating.
- Cautions: Congregate around light sources. Humans sometimes have allergic responses. Spread Chagas disease through pathogen found in their feces. Brought into contact by rubbing affected area, eyes or mouth.
- Home Invasion: Occasionally enter homes. It is possible to wake up with mosquito like bites and to find an engorged bug in the bed.
Helpful Hints for Control
- Eliminate or minimize light sources around home
- Remove rodent nests around home. In Arizona they often inhabit packrat nests.
- Recommend regular pest control service plan.
Interesting Fact
Called Kissing Bug after the South American species that prefers to bite sleeping victims on the face about the lips.
Symptoms
Typically no pain is felt at the time of bite. Later reactions can include pain, redness, swelling and itching. Subsequent bites may lead to sensitization and possible allergic reactions.
