EFFECTS OF GAMMA-IRRADIATION ON THE REPRODUCTIVE CAPACITY AND THE LONGEVITY OF PANSTRONGYLUS-MEGISTUS (HEMIPTERA, REDUVIIDAE)

The effects of radiation on the reproductive capacity and the longevity of Panstrongylus megistus were studied. An indirect correlation between longevity and radiation doses was observed. Males were more affected than females. Longevity of females submitted to 10 Gy was not different when compared to controls. Some of the irradiated males copulated and in these cases semen was transferred to females, but only few eggs were laid Fertility was seriously affected in all irradiated groups, decreasing with increasing intensity of dose. The dose of 80 Gy induced sterility in males and females. Gelatinous spermatophores that were expelled by females irradiated with 20 and 40 Gy, may be a consequence of irradiation that induced modification in the bursa copulatrix pH.