Role of the bed bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) cuticle in attachment and germination of entomopathogenic fungi

Due in part to its documented agility at evolving resistance to currently available chemical insecticides, the bed bug Cimex lectularius has become increasingly difficult to control.  Biopesticides such as the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae are logical candidates for bed bug control since they are considered to be inherently safer than conventional pesticides. However, slow kill rates and inconsistent results have confounded their widespread use. The various fungistatic activities associated with arthropod cuticle, including the presence of microbes, toxic lipids, and cuticle phenolic compounds have been shown to inhibit fungal growth.  We hypothesize that the composition and physical features of C. lectularius cuticle contribute to its tolerance to M. anisopliae.  Results of laboratory assays to measure infection and germination rates using a combination of spore suspension and inoculation protocols will be discussed.