Kissing bugs, scientifically known as triatomine bugs, are blood-feeding insects that get their common name from their tendency to bite humans around the face, often near the lips, during the night. These insects are typically dark brown or black, with distinctive red or orange markings along the edges of their bodies. They possess an elongated head and a slender, beak-like mouthpart used for feeding.
Native Homelands
Kissing bugs are primarily native to Latin America, including Mexico, Central, and South America. The subfamily Triatominae, to which kissing bugs belong, is thought to have evolved alongside mammals and birds. Most of the approximately 150 species within this subfamily are found in the New World.
These insects historically thrived in wild environments like burrows, animal nests, and natural crevices. They primarily fed on the blood of various wild vertebrates, including raccoons, opossums, and woodrats. Their adaptation to human dwellings is an extension of this natural behavior, as they seek out blood meals from available hosts. Some species, like Triatoma infestans in South America, have co-evolved significantly with humans, spending their entire life cycle within or near human habitations.
Current Geographical Presence
Today, kissing bugs are widely distributed across Mexico, Central, and South America. They also have a significant presence in the southern United States. In the U.S., eleven different species of kissing bugs have been identified across 29 states, primarily in the southern regions.
States such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona report the highest number and variety of kissing bug species. Florida also has established populations, with research indicating their presence in many counties. Environmental factors like warm climates and the availability of suitable hosts, both wild and domestic, contribute to their widespread distribution. While they are present across the southern two-thirds of the U.S., their colonization of homes is less common compared to Latin America, as houses in the U.S. are generally better sealed.
Pathways of Spread
Kissing bugs expand their geographical range through both natural dispersal and human-assisted mechanisms. Naturally, these insects can fly, with adults capable of dispersal flights, particularly during warmer months. While adults are more commonly observed walking, their flight capacity allows them to cover distances, sometimes up to 3.5 miles. This natural movement helps them seek new hosts and habitats.
Human activities also play a role in their spread. Kissing bugs can be accidentally transported in goods, luggage, or vehicles, especially when moving between areas where they are endemic. Changes in land use, such as human encroachment and urbanization, can disturb their natural habitats, forcing them to seek new blood sources and potentially move into human dwellings. This increases interaction with humans and domestic animals, facilitating their presence in new areas.