A sanguivore is an organism, typically an animal, whose primary or sole source of nutrition is blood. This diet, known as sanguivory, is relatively uncommon in the animal kingdom, requiring specialized adaptations for piercing skin, extracting blood, and digesting it. Sanguivores often exhibit unique physical and physiological traits to facilitate blood feeding, such as specialized mouthparts, anticoagulant saliva, and efficient digestive systems. The term derives from the Latin words "sanguis" (blood) and "vorare" (to devour). Sanguivory represents a parasitic or, in some cases, mutualistic relationship, depending on the host-parasite interaction. They often play roles in disease transmission to their hosts. Their role can significantly affect the balance of their respective ecosystems.
Sanguivore meaning with examples
- Vampire bats are a classic example of sanguivores. They use razor-sharp teeth to make small incisions and lap up blood from their mammal hosts, primarily livestock. The vampire bat's saliva contains anticoagulants, allowing blood to flow freely during feeding. They have evolved the ability to survive on a diet composed of blood.
- Certain species of ticks are sanguivores, attaching themselves to hosts to feed on their blood. Their mouthparts are specially designed to pierce the skin and hold the host while consuming the blood meal. After feeding, they detach, often carrying pathogens that can transmit diseases to their hosts.
- Leeches are another group of sanguivores, known for their blood-sucking behavior. They secrete an anesthetic to make the bite painless and release anticoagulants to ensure uninterrupted blood flow. Some leeches have been used medically to remove blood from areas of the body.
- The Glossinidae family, commonly known as tsetse flies, are sanguivores that feed exclusively on the blood of vertebrates, causing diseases like African trypanosomiasis. Their proboscis is adapted for piercing skin and obtaining a blood meal. They are a significant threat to both humans and livestock.