sanguivorous

Sanguivorous is an adjective used in biology to describe organisms that feed on blood. The term derives from the Latin sanguis, meaning blood, and vorare, meaning to devour. In practice, sanguivory refers to a diet in which blood is a primary or sole source of nutrients, though many sanguivorous animals are not exclusively blood feeders.

The term is often used interchangeably with hematophagous, though some sources reserve sanguivorous for species that rely predominantly on blood for sustenance, while hematophagous can refer to organisms that feed on blood as part of a broader diet. The distinction is not universally adhered to, and the terms are frequently used as overlapping concepts in zoology.

Notable examples of sanguivorous organisms include vampire bats, which feed exclusively on blood, and various aquatic or terrestrial leeches that obtain blood from hosts. Among insects and other arthropods, many species—such as mosquitoes, ticks, bed bugs, and kissing bugs—are hematophagous and rely on blood for nourishment at certain life stages or as a major dietary component. Adaptations typical of sanguivores include specialized mouthparts for penetrating host tissue and saliva containing anticoagulants, antihemostatic compounds, and sometimes anesthetic agents to facilitate feeding with minimal host detection.

Ecologically, sanguivorous species occupy roles as parasites or vectors, capable of transmitting pathogens between hosts. Their feeding strategies influence interactions with hosts and can have significant implications for disease dynamics, wildlife health, and the structure of ecosystems.