Demonstration of a proallatotoxin-sensitive period in 4th-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus.

1. Topical application of the proallatotoxin ethoxyprecocene II (60 micrograms/nymph) to 4th-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus at various times before and after a blood meal induced precocious metamorphosis. 2. The highest percentage of adultoids was obtained when proallatotoxin was applied prior to feeding or up to day 3 after the blood meal. 3. The proallatotoxin-sensitive period ended 4 days after feeding just before the maximum peak of ecdysteroid concentration in the hemolymph. 4. The significance of these findings is discussed in terms of the juvenile hormone-sensitive period and the hormonal program which controls molting in this insect.