R. neglectus and R. nasutus, which are both found in peridomestic
areas in the same region, were clearly more susceptible
to tested fungi than are R. prolixus and R. robustus. The activities
of the fungi tested in this study were similar to other fungi isolated
in the same region from peridomestic triatomine habitats –
Metarhizium anisopliae and B. bassiana – or directly as pathogens
of triatomines (as with Evlachovaea sp.) (Luz et al., 2003; Lazzarini
et al., 2006). Fungi tested have interest as natural antagonists of
Chagas disease vectors. The humid climate in large regions of Latin
America and the high moistures that routinely occur in the microhabitats
of Rhodnius spp. in palm trees particularly during the rainy
season (Abad-Franch and Monteiro, 2009) will increase efficacy of
fungi against these vectors.