Animals that feed on blood

Animals that feed on blood are known as hematophagous animals .Most of them are parasites of the animals they feed on, but not all of them.species are vectors of diseases, because they transmit from one animal to another bacteria and viruses that are found in the blood of their victims.

Contrary to what is shown on film and television, the animals that they feed on blood are not insatiable beasts thirsty for this vital substance, but this simply represents another type of feeding.

Next, know what these animals are.How many of them have you seen before?

Here are some animals that base their diet on the blood:

Vampire bat

Honoring the fame that has given the cinema to relate it to Dracula , there is a species of vampire bat that feeds on blood.It has 3 subspecies that are:

Vampire co mun ( Desmodus rotundus ): is common in Chile, Mexico and Argentina, where he prefers to live in areas with a lot of vegetation.It shows short fur, crushed snout and is able to move on its 4 limbs.This bloodsucker feeds on cattle, dogs and, rarely, humans.The method he uses is to make a small cut on the skin of his victims and sip the blood flowing through it.
Hairy-legged Vampire ( Diphylla ecaudata ): has a chestnut body on the back and gray on the abdomen.He prefers to live in the forests and caves of States United, Brazil and Venezuela.It feeds mainly on the blood of poultry, such as chickens.
White-winged vampire ( Diaemus youngi ): It lives in areas full of trees in Mexico, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.It has a light brown fur or cinnamon with the tips of the white wings.It does not suck the blood of its prey.kissing his body, it hangs on the branches of trees until they reach them.It feeds on the blood of birds and cattle; In addition, it can transmit rabies.

Lamprea

The lamprea is a type of fish that is very similar to the eel whose species belong to two classes, Hyperoartia and Petromyzonti .Its body is long, flexible and without scales.In the mouth it presents a cupping that it uses to adhere to the skin of their victims, then hurt with their teeth the area of the skin from where they would draw the blood.

Under the system described, lamprey can travel by sea subject to his victim's body without his noticing until he has satisfied his hunger.His prey is varied, from sharks and fish to some mammals.

Medical leech

The leech medicinal ( Hirudo medicinalis ) is an anelid that is found in rivers and streams across the European continent.It measures up to 30 centimeters and adheres to the skin of its victims with the suction cup that is his mouth, within which pos Ee teeth capable of piercing the flesh to start bleeding.

In ancient times, leeches were used to bleed patients as a therapeutic method, but today their effectiveness is put in doubt, especially because of the risk of disease transmission and some parasites.

Vampire Finch

The Vampire Finch ( Geospiza difficilis septentrionalis ) is an endemic bird of the Galapagos island.The females are brown and the males are black.

This species feeds on seeds, nectar, eggs and some insects, but also Drink the blood of other birds , especially the Nazca booby and the blue-footed booby.The method he uses is to make a small cut with his beak until the blood sprouts and then drink it.

Candiru

The candiru or vampire fish ( Vandellia cirrhosa ) is related to the catfish and inhabits the Amazon River as.It reaches up to 20 centimeters long and its body is almost transparent, so it is almost undetectable in the waters of the river.

The species is feared by the populations of the Amazon , since it has a rather violent way of feeding itself: it enters the holes of its victims, including the genitals, and crosses the body to stay inside and feed on the blood from there.Although it is not proven that it has affected a human being, there is a myth that if you can do it.

Image: Medical leech (Hirudo medicinalis)

When talking about species that feed on blood, insects are the that stand out, especially those that suck human blood for nourishment.These are some of them.

Mosquito

The mosquitoes or mosquitoes are part of the Culicidae family of insects, which includes 40 genera with 3500 different species.They measure only 15 millimeters, fly and reproduce in areas with water deposits, so they become very dangerous pests in humid tropical regions, since they transmit dengue and other diseases.Males of the species feed on sap and n ectar, but females drink the blood of mammals, including humans.

Tick

The tick belongs to the genus Ixodoidea , under which several genera and species are encompassed.It is the largest mite in the world , feeds on the blood of mammals, including humans, and transmits dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease.

The tick is not only dangerous because of the diseases it transmits and because they can become a silver when they infest a home, but also the wound they make to suck the blood can become infected If the insect is torn from the skin incorrectly.

Crabs

The Ladilla ( Phthirus pubis ) is an insect that parasites the hair and hair of the human being.It measures only 3 millimeters and its body is yellowish.Although it is better known for infesting the genitals , you can also find it is in the hair, armpits and eyebrows.

It feeds on blood several times a day, so they cause pruritus in the area they invade, this being the most common symptom Notorious of the infestation.

Jejen

The jejen ( Phlebotomus papatasi ) is a mosquito-like insect that can be found on everything in Europe.It measures 3 millimeters, has an almost transparent or very light color and its body has villi.It inhabits instead moist and the males feed on nectar and other substances, but the females suck blood when they are in the reproduction phase.

Flea

Under the name of flea , insects of the order Siphonaptera are included , which includes about 2000 different species.They can be found all over the world, but they develop mostly in hot climates.

The flea not only feeds on the blood of its prey, but also reproduce c on speed, so that it infests the host.In addition, it transmits diseases, such as typhus.

Scabies plow

The scabies plow ( Sarcoptes scabiei ) is responsible for the appearance of scabiosis or scabies in mammals, including humans.It is a very small parasite, just 250 to 400 microns, which enters the skin of the host to feed on blood and "dig" tunnels that allow it to reproduce before death.

Bed bug

The bed bug ( Cimex lectularius ) is an insect that usually lives in houses, as it is housed in beds, pillows and other tissues where it can be close to its prey during the night.

They measure only 5 millimeters, but they have a reddish brown color , so it is possible to see them if enough attention is paid.It feeds on the blood of warm-blooded animals, between they the human being, and leaves sea passing Cas of skin bites.

These are some of the insects that feed on blood, how many of them have you seen?

Image: Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)

Comments

ALL ABOUT THE FEVER IN DOGS

The fever in dogs or fever Canine is an increase in body temperature above normal values, which are between 38 and 39ºC , due, for example, to an infection or inflammation.There are different causes that cause the fever and we can easily measure it with the use of a digital thermometer. Next, in this article of Animals and Pets Online we will explain everything you need to know about fever in dogs, causes, symptoms and treatment to be applied to lower it.That is, if you suspect that your dog may suffer from fever, we recommend you go to your trusted veterinarian to discover the cause that is causing it and the treatment indicated according to your specific case. What temperature is considered fever in dogs? Fever is an excellent defense mechanism of the body .By increasing body temperature, the immune system seeks to destroy the pathogen.Therefore, it is a immune system reaction very beneficial for the dog in the face of an illness. The normal temperature of a dog Th...

Pododermatitis in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment (WITH PHOTOS)

What is pododermatitis in dogs? Pododermatitis is the inflammation of the interdigital spaces of the feet and hands of dogs and other animals as a result of various causes.Often, the trigger is a hit in the area or the action of a foreign body that has caused an injury.Therefore, it will be more frequent in animals that transit through forested areas or perform hunting activities, races or jumps that can damage their feet or hands.By foreign body we understand any object capable of causing injuries such as crystals, spines or stones. Causes of pododermatitis in dogs Despite the above, pododermatitis has many other causes such as the action of irritating substances responsible for contact dermatitis, the allergies , the presence of parasites , such as scabies or flea mites, or the development of fungi.Also, endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism, autoimnune or interdigital cysts are also among the list of causes of Pododermatitis in dogs.In addition, psychological problem...

How often should I change my cat's sand?

The sandbox is a tool essential for the daily hygiene of our felines.We must ensure that the cleaning we do is adequate, with the aim of preventing health problems and even behavioral problems that are related to the lack of cleaning.This very important aspect is common that doubts arise from the caretakers when choosing the sand, the sandbox itself, which is the best place to install it or how and how often to clean it. Maybe you wonder how often change the silica sand or binder, the recommended amount of sand or the frequency of complete sand change, for this reason, in this article of Animals and Pets Online we will focus on explaining how much we should change the sand of our cat .We will see the importance of maintaining the hygiene of a reindeer and how to preserve it in the best conditions. The importance of the sandbox for cats From a very young age, kittens learn to use the sandbox and, except for behavioral disorders or specific diseases, they will continue to use ...

10 exotic birds of Chile

Chile is a country in South America that has an impressive geographical variety, due to the which can be found in mountainous areas, volcanic islands and even a polar strip.This multiplicity of climates and zones brings with it a great diversity of species in both flora and fauna. The exotic birds of Chile do not fall behind in terms of this diversity, thanks to which it is possible to find from small birds of warm climates, to penguins.Read reading this article of Animals and Pets Online so that you find out what are the most characteristic species of this country. 1 Andean Condor The Vultur gryphus , also called condor de los Andes, is considered the national bird of Chile , so it appears on the national shield.it's easy: its plumage is almost all black, with white wings and red head .It lives in rocky areas and feeds on carrona.Its appearance is imposing and intimidating. 2.Chilean Flamenco There are six species of flamingos around the world, and three of them ar...

5 homemade cat toys

Cats love the game and it's understandable.This is an essential activity for their well-being , since it inhibits acute and chronic stress.Cats begin to play around two weeks of age, first to hunt shadows, thus learning to coordinate. Behaviors of game are very important for a cat, especially if he lives alone (without the presence of other cats).The owner must stimulate this behavior so essential, always through toys, and avoiding hands. In this article of ExpertAnimal we have compiled several crafts from our YouTube channel: 5 jug Homemade toys for cats-Easy, cheap and recycled .If you are looking for cheap DIY options you have come to the right place! 1.Toy and DIY cat food dispenser The first toy we propose is a food dispenser, commercially known as kong.It is a toy that stimulates your intelligence and physical activity and is especially positive for cats with anxiety or stress.do it on our YouTube video about 3 toys for homemade cats or follow the instructions: ...

Can I bathe my dog if I just wormed him?

When is it a first time in adopting a dog, it is normal that many doubts arise about what is best for them and when it is advisable to do everything, so Animals and Pets Online solves all the questions that arise. Deworming your dog periodically is necessary to preserve their health and avoid possible diseases from the action of microorganisms, external and internal parasites, among others.If you do not know when you should bathe your dog after a deworming , keep reading this article. Why deworm the dog? You may think that deworming is not necessary, but the truth is that thanks to it you avoid your dog much discomfort, in addition to prevent diseases transmitted by parasites . Among the main parasites, both external and internal, are ticks, fleas, lice, losacaros and intestinal worms, among many others.Pruritus, hair loss, diarrhea, tick disease, and even death in the most serious cases, they are part of the consequences that cause these beings to stay in the body of your furr...

Should parrots' wings be cut?

Having parrots at home is very common.They are small pets , colorful and very funny to see in their day to day.However, with the popularity they gain as companions of human homes, the number of people who choose to cut their wings to prevent them from escaping also increases. This practice that may seem common, has its detractors when it comes to thinking about the most beneficial for the bird.Do you want to know if the wings of the parrots should be cut ? Keep reading This article from Animal Expert! How are parrot wings cut? Before telling you whether or not it is advisable to cut the wings of your parrot, it is necessary to explain a little about how the process is carried out and the modifications that it implies in these limbs of the birds. When we talk about cutting the wings, there are two main procedures and some levels in each.The first of these processes is the alectomy , which consists in removing the distal phalanges of the wing and removing the primary feathers ,...

Urea high in dogs - Symptoms and treatment

Sometimes, we need to perform a blood test to our dog.It may be because he is ill and we try to reach a diagnosis or as part of a complete review, which is recommended in dogs older than seven years.Within the parameters that are analyzed in a blood test is urea. In this article by ExpertAnimal we will explain what high urea means in dogs , since it is usually the most frequent alteration of this parameter, although it may also appear low, as we will see. Urea The urea is a component of urine and is the residue generated by the metabolism of proteins that takes place in the human body, mainly in the liver .Yes, the urea present in the urine is the result of this metabolism and, also, of the breakdown of body cells. The liver is passed to the kidneys and from these the elimination takes place in the form of urine.If there is any problem in these organs it will result in alterations in the urea level.In a diet with an excess of proteins we could also find the urea eleva...

Can you eat shellfish during pregnancy?

Seafood is one of the most exquisite foods out there, but also one of the worst known in the diet of a pregnant woman.Can you eat shellfish and fish during pregnancy? The truth is that it has many benefits for the future breast and the fetus, but as long as the appropriate varieties are chosen, they are cooked well and in a healthy way and not excessive consumption is made.Especially, during this stage, it is essential to avoid consumption of raw fish or shellfish and opt for those varieties with a lower amount of mercury so as not to endanger the health of the baby or the pregnant woman.Read this ONsalus article to know all the details about the issue: Can seafood be eaten during pregnancy? Can I eat shellfish in pregnancy? The fats that seafood has are mostly healthy, in addition to also having omega-3, an element that lowers cholesterol, especially if taken on a regular basis, which also helps decrease the risk of heart disease.Therefore, seafood has very significant benefits ...

Common diseases of mandarin diamond

If you are thinking of hosting a Mandarin diamond or you already have one, in addition to its Basic care you should also know some of the most common conditions that this exotic bird can suffer.The Taeniopygia guttata is a very small bird and very appreciated for its appearance and its simple care but, to give it the best quality of life in our home, we must recognize some symptoms and health problems that will indicate when you should go to the veterinarian. Therefore, in this article of Animals and Pets Online we will explain the most common diseases of Mandarin diamond or Timor's zebra diamond, so that you can detect when it is possible that your little pet is having a problem. Constipation One of the most common health problems in these small birds is constipation .Among the signs that will alert us that our partner is suffering from this disorder we will see the following: Difficulty to evacuate Irritated sewer Swollen belly Wrapping Repetitive gestures down ...

Animals and Pets Online

Search This Blog