Sanguinivorous

Sanguinivorous refers to organisms that feed on blood. This practice, known as hematophagy, is observed across a wide range of taxa, from insects and arachnids to vertebrates. Blood is a rich source of nutrients, particularly proteins and iron, making it a valuable food source for specialized species.

Invertebrate sanguinivores are perhaps the most well-known. Mosquitoes, for instance, are famous for their blood-feeding females, which require blood meals for egg development. Ticks and leeches are also common examples, attaching to their hosts to extract blood. Other examples include certain species of flies like horseflies, and some species of bugs, such as bedbugs.

Among vertebrates, some species have also evolved to feed on blood. Vampire bats are a classic example, subsisting almost entirely on the blood of other animals. Certain fish, like the vampire finch, also exhibit sanguinivorous behavior, feeding on the blood of other seabirds. Lampreys, ancient jawless fish, are parasitic and feed on the blood of larger fish.

The evolution of sanguinivory often involves specialized adaptations for locating, attaching to, and feeding on hosts. These can include piercing mouthparts, anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting, and sensory organs to detect hosts. The ecological role of sanguinivores varies, with some acting as vectors for diseases, while others play roles in population control or nutrient cycling.