Kissing Bug (Triatomine bug)

Found in various environments, including cracks and crevices of substandard housing, animal nests, and outdoor areas such as woodpiles or rocks.

They feed on the blood of mammals (including humans), birds, and reptiles.

They are primarily nocturnal, coming out at night to feed while hosts are asleep. They are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide. After feeding, they often defecate near the bite wound.

They can transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Bites can also cause allergic reactions, including severe swelling (Romaña's sign) when the bite occurs near the eye.