There is evidence that entomopathogenic fungi are natural
antagonists of triatomines and
potential candidates for biological control of these vectors.
High relative humidities such as those that occur in so many
parts of Latin America distinctly increase fungal virulence against
these vectors . Oil-formulated Beauveria
bassiana clearly reduced peridomestic populations of
Triatoma sordida during field studies in Central Brazi. B. bassiana was also active against R. prolixus and other triatomine
species under laboratory conditions , but there is still little
information about the effect of fungi to this and other Rhodnius
species. A highly virulent fungus attacking several Rhodnius spp.
would be a key asset for the control of triatomine species in palm
trees. The discovery of a natural occurrence of Paecilomyces lilacinus