Mexican Kissing Bug vs High-altitude Water Boatman

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mexican Kissing Bug High-altitude Water Boatman
Scientific Name Triatoma dimidiata Sigara nigrolineata
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Reduviidae Corixidae
Size 24-32 mm 5-7 mm body length
Habitat Underground Mountains
Diet Blood Feeders Detritivores
Regions Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mexican Kissing Bug

A major Chagas disease vector in Central America and Mexico found in both domestic and peridomestic habitats. Adults are attracted to lights and can fly into homes.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few triatomine species that regularly invades homes by flying toward artificial lights.

High-altitude Water Boatman

An aquatic bug found in high-altitude ponds and alpine lakes. It swims upside down using its oar-like hind legs.

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Did You Know?

Males produce underwater sounds by rubbing their front legs against their head to attract mates.