An experimental approach to the study of drugs in invertebrate systems. I. Mass feeding of Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Hemiptera, Reduviidae).

An artificial mass feeding technique was developed allowing as many as 60 Rhodnii to gorge completely during a 10-min period. No differences in molting rate and mortality index were found between the method described here and the rabbit feeding procedure. The method has the advantage in that diets to be used may be in the form of suspension including whole blood nutrient meals. Maintenance of large colonies was found feasible eliminating the rabbit host.