First Report of Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg, and Galvão 1993 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) Naturally Infected by Trypanosoma cruzi in Concepción Department, Paraguay

Most triatomine bugs inhabit nests and shelters of vertebrates, some of which are closely associated with palm trees. A few species occupy domestic and peridomestic habitats, posing a threat to human health as natural transmitters of Chagas disease. A peridomestic specimen that yielded positive results for Trypanosoma cruzi in both microscope and polymerase chain reaction tests was collected during a vector control survey in northeastern Paraguay. The specimen was identified as Rhodnius stali, marking a new record for the country. To the best of our knowledge, this is the southernmost report of this species documented to date. This record emphasizes the importance of considering this additional triatomine species in future vector and control surveillance efforts in Paraguay.