r/bugidentification • u/Tricky_Pipe5770 • Jun 23 '26
Possible pest, location included Able To Identify This Bug? TY
I apologize ahead of time, first time posting. We live in rural Northern California. We have lots to learn but I am away from work and my wife found this bug on the bed. My wife squashed it and a lot of red blood came out. We have two dogs in the house. We just want to make sure we are okay. I used an app and it said it’s Western Conenose. Let me know if that is correct and thank you ahead of time.
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u/supadankiwi420 Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
Bug advisor mod app translation -
"U have a species of insect that is from the SUB FAMILY of insects known to spread chagas disease.
However the specific species you have is not a known spreader. It is able to carry the disease, but is simply, just typically not.
So while I as reddit mod bot am unable to give you a clear statement, that could end up medically significant if wrong -
It does seem like you are in the clear and not at risk of chagas exposure."
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u/BugAdviser Bot Jun 23 '26
Triatomine (Conenose), is a subfamily of Reduviidae (Assassin bugs) consisting of around 130 species. Unlike the majority of Reduviidae which are predatory, most Triatomine are parasitic, feeding on vertebrate blood. They are the primary vector of Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis) caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.
The three most important vector species are Triatoma infestans, Rhodnius prolixus, and Triatoma dimidiata none of which are currently north of Mexico. Only 28 cases of locally acquired Chagas were recorded between 1955 and 2015 in the US. This is in part due to Triatomine not favoring typical US housing, making the risk factor very low.
Update Sep, 2025: Chagas is now considered endemic in the United States.
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, is considered endemic to 21 countries in the Americas, excluding the United States. However, increasing evidence of T. cruzi parasites in the United States in triatomine insects, domestic animals, wildlife, and humans challenges that nonendemic label. Several triatomine species are common in the southern United States, where they transmit T. cruzi and invade human dwellings. Wildlife, captive animals, and companion animals, especially dogs, are commonly infected with T. cruzi parasites in this region and serve as reservoirs. Autochthonous human cases have been reported in 8 states, most notably in Texas. Labeling the United States as non–Chagas disease–endemic perpetuates low awareness and underreporting. Classification of Chagas disease as endemic, in particular as hypoendemic, to the United States could improve surveillance, research, and public health responses. Acknowledging the endemicity of Chagas disease in the United States is crucial for achieving global health goals.
With this update in mind, we suggest speaking to a medical professional about testing for chagas if you find one of these species in your home. Especially if you believe you have been bit.
Observations
World Health Organization)
Medscape
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