Blood-feeding
Guides
Argasidae
soft ticks, soft-backed ticks, argasid ticks
Argasidae, commonly known as soft ticks, is one of three extant families of ticks (Ixodida), alongside Ixodidae (hard ticks) and the monotypic Nuttalliellidae. The family contains approximately 220 species in 17 genera, though taxonomic composition remains unresolved due to conflicting morphological and molecular phylogenies. Soft ticks are distinguished from hard ticks by the absence of a hard scutum (dorsal shield), a ventrally positioned gnathosoma (mouthparts-bearing structure) that is not visible from above, and rounded lateral body edges. They exhibit remarkable physiological adaptations including extreme desiccation resistance, longevity (documented up to 27 years in laboratory conditions), and the ability to survive years without feeding. Soft ticks are primarily associated with shelter habitats such as animal burrows, nests, and rock crevices, and are less commonly encountered by humans than hard ticks.
Atrichopogon levis
grass punky
Atrichopogon levis, commonly known as the grass punky, is a biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. Larvae develop within grass stems, particularly bluegrass (Poa pratensis), feeding on plant juices. Adult females are aggressive blood-feeders on mammals, including humans, causing irritating bites. The complete life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 3–4 weeks under favorable conditions. The species is a significant nuisance pest in grassy areas and has been recorded from Hawaii.
Atrichopogon peregrinus
biting midge
Atrichopogon peregrinus is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. The specific epithet "peregrinus" (Latin for "wanderer" or "foreigner") suggests a potentially wide-ranging or introduced distribution, though detailed geographic records remain limited. As a member of the genus Atrichopogon, it belongs to a diverse group of small, blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies. The species was described by Johannsen in 1908, indicating it has been recognized in scientific literature for over a century, though comprehensive biological studies appear sparse.
Calpinae
Fruit-piercing Moths, Vampire Moths
Calpinae is a subfamily of nocturnal moths in the family Erebidae, distinguished by a highly modified proboscis adapted for piercing. Most species feed on fruit juices by piercing fruit skins, while males of several Calyptra species can pierce mammalian skin to feed on blood. The subfamily was historically classified within Noctuidae but was reclassified to Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies. It contains three monophyletic tribes: Calpini, Ophiderini, and Phyllodini. Some species reach wingspans exceeding 5 cm.
Calpini
fruit-piercing moths, vampire moths
Calpini is a tribe of fruit-piercing moths in the family Erebidae, formerly placed in Noctuidae. Adults possess a pointed, barbed proboscis adapted for piercing fruit skin to feed on juice. The genus Calyptra within this tribe includes species known as vampire moths, which can pierce mammal skin to drink blood. This blood-feeding behavior is facultative and restricted to males; females feed exclusively on fruit juice and nectar.
Ceratopogonidae
biting midges, no-see-ums, sand flies, punkies, midgies
Ceratopogonidae is a family of minute flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as biting midges, no-see-ums, or punkies. Adults range from 1–6 mm in length, with most species between 1–3 mm. The family contains over 5,000 described species distributed worldwide except Antarctica and the Arctic. While many species feed on the blood of vertebrates including humans and livestock, the majority feed on the hemolymph of other insects. Several species serve as important pollinators of tropical crops, notably cacao.
Chlorotabanus crepuscularis
Green Horse Fly
Chlorotabanus crepuscularis is the only green tabanid horse fly in North America. It is a blood-feeding species active primarily at night, with females using carbon dioxide sensing to locate mammalian hosts. The species has been recorded from Texas to Delaware, with peak adult activity in Florida occurring from May to mid-July. Larvae are predaceous and develop in moist soil and aquatic edge habitats.
Chrysops asbestos
Shining Deer Fly
Chrysops asbestos, commonly known as the Shining Deer Fly, is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. It was described by Philip in 1950. The species epithet 'asbestos' is noted as one of the humorous or 'silly' scientific names in entomology, referencing the fibrous mineral. As a member of the genus Chrysops, it shares the characteristic blood-feeding behavior of female deer flies, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Chrysops callidus
Beautiful Deer Fly
Chrysops callidus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1875. Commonly known as the Beautiful Deer Fly, this species is distributed across Canada and the United States. Females possess a specialized food canal with twelve pairs of putative sensory trichites that monitor blood flow during feeding. The species serves as an intermediate host for the haemosporidian parasite Haemoproteus metchnikovi, with documented sporogonic development occurring in the fly's midgut epithelium.
Chrysops celatus
deer fly
Chrysops celatus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Pechuman in 1949. It exhibits diel host-seeking activity patterns and has been recorded in northwest Florida and Vermont, USA. The species is currently considered a synonym of Chrysops atlanticus by some taxonomic authorities.
Chrysops clavicornis
deer fly
Chrysops clavicornis is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Brennan in 1935. It belongs to the genus Chrysops, a diverse group of biting flies commonly known as deer flies or yellow flies. The species is characterized by clubbed antennae, as indicated by its specific epithet 'clavicornis' (from Latin clavus = club, cornu = horn). Like other members of the genus, it is likely a blood-feeding fly with females requiring blood meals for egg development.
Chrysops cuclux
deer fly
Chrysops cuclux is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Whitney in 1879. As a member of the genus Chrysops, it shares the characteristic blood-feeding behavior typical of female deer flies. The species is recorded from the United States, with distribution records from Vermont and other locations. Like other deer flies, it likely has aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages and is active during warmer months.
Chrysops vittatus
deer fly
Chrysops vittatus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1821. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it is a biting fly known for its blood-feeding behavior. The species has been documented in laboratory life history studies alongside congeners C. atlanticus and C. univittatus. Specific field data on this species remains limited in the available sources.
Cimex pilosellus
Western Bat Bug, Bat Bug
Cimex pilosellus, commonly known as the western bat bug, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite in the family Cimicidae. The species is native to North America and primarily parasitizes bats, though it can bite humans when bat hosts are absent. It is morphologically similar to the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) and requires microscopic examination for accurate identification. The species has been documented across western North American regions.
Diachlorus
biting horseflies
Diachlorus is a genus of biting horseflies in the family Tabanidae, containing 27 neotropical species with highest diversity in Brazil. The genus includes the widespread species D. ferrugatus, which ranges from the southeastern United States to Costa Rica. Members are known for their blood-feeding behavior and distinct diel activity patterns.
Haematobia
horn flies
Haematobia is a genus of biting muscid flies commonly known as horn flies. Adults are obligate blood-feeders on cattle and related bovids, with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus includes approximately 8 described species, with Haematobia irritans being the most economically significant pest of cattle in North America. Larvae develop exclusively in fresh cattle manure. Heavy infestations cause substantial economic losses through blood loss, reduced weight gain, and decreased milk production.
Haematobia irritans
Horn Fly
Haematobia irritans, the horn fly, is a small blood-feeding muscid fly native to Europe that has become a major livestock pest across North America, Latin America, and other regions. Adults are obligate hematophages that remain continuously on cattle hosts, feeding 20-40 times daily and causing significant economic losses through blood loss, stress, and reduced productivity. The species exhibits remarkable life history plasticity, with generation times as short as 10-14 days under optimal conditions and multiple annual generations. Overwintering strategies vary geographically: active adults persist year-round in tropical regions, while colder latitudes see pharate adult dormancy beneath dung pats. The horn fly has developed extensive insecticide resistance, driving research into alternative control methods including biological control, botanical repellents, and Wolbachia-based strategies.
Haematopinus
ungulate lice, buffalo lice
Haematopinus is a genus of sucking lice and the sole genus in the family Haematopinidae. These obligate ectoparasites are specialized blood-feeders on large mammals, including cattle, horses, pigs, water buffalo, and various wild ungulates. Species within this genus are economically significant veterinary pests that cause direct damage through blood loss and skin irritation, and some are suspected vectors of disease pathogens including anaplasmosis and Brucella abortus. The genus has a global distribution across domestic livestock and wildlife populations.
Haematopota americana
horse fly
Haematopota americana is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1875. It belongs to a genus known for blood-feeding females that are persistent pests of mammals, including humans and livestock. The species is recorded from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature. Like other horse flies, it likely has aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages and terrestrial adults.
Hippoboscidae
louse flies, keds
Hippoboscidae, commonly known as louse flies or keds, are obligate ectoparasites of birds and mammals. The family comprises over 200 species distributed across three subfamilies: Hippoboscinae (mammal parasites), Lipopteninae (deer keds and sheep keds), and Ornithomyinae (bird parasites). Members exhibit dramatic variation in wing morphology, from fully winged forms capable of flight to completely wingless species. Their reproductive strategy is highly unusual among Diptera: females retain and nourish a single larva internally using specialized 'milk glands,' then deposit a fully developed prepupa that immediately pupates.
Hippoboscoidea
Louse Flies, Tsetse Flies, and Allies, Pupipara
Hippoboscoidea is a superfamily of calyptrate flies comprising four families: Glossinidae (tsetse flies), Hippoboscidae (louse flies or ked flies), Nycteribiidae (bat flies), and Streblidae (bat flies). All members are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of mammals or birds. The superfamily is distinguished by adenotrophic viviparity, in which larvae develop internally and are deposited as fully-formed prepupae. Some members serve as vectors for significant pathogens, including trypanosomes that cause African sleeping sickness and nagana.
Hybomitra cincta
Hybomitra cincta is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across Canada and the United States, with records from Vermont and other regions. As a member of the horse fly genus Hybomitra, it shares the family's characteristic blood-feeding behavior by females and the robust, agile flying morphology typical of tabanids.
Icosta
Icosta is a genus of louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising 52 described species, making it the largest genus in the family. All species are obligate ectoparasites of birds, feeding on blood. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution excluding Antarctica and is divided into six subgenera based on morphological characteristics. Members are pupiparous, with larvae developing internally and depositing fully formed pupae.
Leptoconops
black gnat, no-see-um
Leptoconops is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) commonly known as black gnats or no-see-ums. The genus has a relictual distribution with predominantly tropical and subtropical range, though some species extend to temperate regions including Russia and Canada. Adults are small blood-feeding insects; females are diurnal feeders on vertebrate blood. The genus represents one of the earliest existing lineages of biting midges, with fossil records dating to Cretaceous amber.
Linognathidae
sucking lice
Linognathidae is a family of sucking lice in the order Psocodea, containing at least 3 genera (Linognathus, Prolinognathus, Solenopotes) and approximately 70 described species. Members are obligate ectoparasites of mammals, primarily infesting ungulates including cattle, deer, impalas, and related hosts. The family is characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding and complete dependence on host animals for survival and reproduction.
Lipoptena cervi
Deer Ked, Deer Fly, European Deer Ked
Lipoptena cervi is a blood-feeding ectoparasitic fly in the family Hippoboscidae, commonly known as the deer ked or European deer ked. Native to Eurasia, it has been introduced to North America and is now invasive in the northeastern United States. Adults are initially winged but shed their wings after locating a host, becoming permanently attached to cervid mammals. The species is a significant nuisance to hunters, hikers, and deer processors due to its persistent biting behavior and apparent resistance to common insect repellents.
Lipoptena mazamae
Neotropical deer ked, Neotropical deer louse fly
Lipoptena mazamae is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasitic fly in the family Hippoboscidae. Adults emerge winged from puparia, then shed their wings permanently upon locating a suitable host. The species is primarily associated with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the southeastern United States and red brocket deer (Mazama americana) from Mexico to northern Argentina. Both sexes feed on host blood. Females are larviparous, retaining and nourishing a single larva internally until it is ready to pupate.
Melophagus ovinus
Sheep Ked, Sheep Louse Fly, Sheep Tick
Melophagus ovinus, commonly known as the sheep ked, is a wingless, blood-feeding ectoparasite of domestic sheep. Unlike most flies, females produce one offspring at a time through adenotrophic viviparity—larvae develop internally, feeding on secretions from milk glands, and are deposited as fully-formed prepupae that quickly harden into pupae. Populations exhibit strong seasonality, building rapidly in late winter to peak in April–May, then declining through summer. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution wherever sheep are present and is of veterinary significance, though it is not an effective vector for Anaplasma ovis.
Microlynchia
Microlynchia is a genus of pupiparous louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising four recognized species. All species are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The genus is distinguished from the closely related Pseudolynchia by the presence of minute ocelli and a differently shaped scutellum. Species within Microlynchia exhibit varying degrees of host specificity, with some records indicating associations primarily with Columbiformes (doves and pigeons) while others document broader host ranges across multiple avian orders.
Neochrysops globosus
Neochrysops globosus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Walton in 1918. The genus Neochrysops is a small group within the subfamily Chrysopsinae, closely related to the more widespread genus Chrysops. As a member of Tabanidae, this species is presumed to share the blood-feeding habits typical of female deer flies, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species epithet "globosus" suggests a rounded or globular body form.
Ochlerotatus infirmatus
Ochlerotatus infirmatus is a mosquito species originally described by Dyar and Knab in 1906. It belongs to the Ochlerotatus Group, a complex of related mosquitoes within the family Culicidae. The species has been documented in North America and is one of several floodplain mosquito species whose populations can increase dramatically following rainfall events. Like other members of its genus, females require blood meals for egg development while males feed on nectar.
Ornithodoros turicata
relapsing fever tick
Ornithodoros turicata is a soft tick (family Argasidae) found in the midwestern and southwestern United States. It is the primary vector of Borrelia turicatae, the spirochete agent of tick-borne relapsing fever in humans. The tick has been documented feeding on at least 27 vertebrate host species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It exhibits autogenous reproduction (egg production without a bloodmeal) and transovarial transmission of spirochetes, enabling pathogen maintenance across generations.
Ornithomyinae
avian louse flies
Ornithomyinae is a subfamily of louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising blood-feeding ectoparasites primarily of birds, with some species parasitizing mammals. The subfamily contains approximately 16 genera and over 160 species worldwide. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Ornithomyinae as currently defined is not monophyletic, with at least one genus (Ornithoica) clustering separately from other members. These flies are obligate parasites that remain on their hosts for extended periods, feeding repeatedly on blood.
Polyplax
Mouse Lice
Polyplax is a genus of sucking lice in the family Polyplacidae. Species are permanent ectoparasites of small mammals, primarily rodents. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. At least one species, Polyplax serrata, comprises distinct cryptic lineages with different host specificity strategies.
Prosimulium mixtum
Mixed-up Black Fly
Prosimulium mixtum is a species of black fly in the family Simuliidae, commonly known as the mixed-up black fly. It is native to North America and has been studied in the context of spring snowmelt environments and physiological responses to environmental stressors. The species is part of the Prosimulium fuscum/mixtum complex, which has historically caused taxonomic confusion. Adults are small blood-feeding flies, with females requiring blood meals for egg development.
Pseudolynchia
pigeon louse flies
Pseudolynchia is a genus of blood-feeding louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising five described species. All species are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The genus is best known for P. canariensis, commonly called the pigeon louse fly, which has been extensively studied as a vector of avian malaria parasites. Members exhibit the family-characteristic pupiparous reproduction, in which females retain and nourish larvae internally until depositing a fully formed prepupa.
Ricinidae
Ricinidae is a family of chewing lice within the suborder Amblycera. All species are relatively large-bodied avian ectoparasites that feed on host blood, an atypical trait among chewing lice. The family includes three recognized genera: Ricinus (65 species, parasitizing Passeriformes), Trochiliphagus (13 species, on hummingbirds), and Trochiloecetes (30 species, also on hummingbirds but restricted to head and neck). Ricinids typically exhibit low prevalence and low intensity infestations with strongly female-biased sex ratios.
Simulium annulus
Ringed Black Fly
Simulium annulus is a species of black fly in the family Simuliidae, first described by Lundstrom in 1911 under the basionym Melusina annula. It belongs to the large genus Simulium, which comprises blood-feeding dipterans commonly known as black flies or buffalo gnats. The common name "Ringed Black Fly" suggests a distinctive annular marking pattern, though specific morphological details are not well documented in available sources. Like other simuliids, it likely has an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage.
Simulium clarum
black fly
Simulium clarum is a species of black fly in the family Simuliidae. The genus Simulium is the largest and most widespread genus of black flies, with species occurring across diverse habitats. Black flies are small, blood-feeding dipterans whose larvae develop in flowing water. Female black flies require blood meals for egg development and are known vectors of parasites affecting birds and mammals.
Simulium tuberosum
Twinn's black fly, superfluous black fly, tubercled black fly
Simulium tuberosum is a species of black fly (family Simuliidae) first described by Lundström in 1911. It belongs to the S. tuberosum species group, a cytologically complex assemblage of sibling species distinguished primarily by chromosomal characteristics. The species has been recorded from Norway, Sweden, Alaska, and northeastern North America. Like other black flies, it has aquatic larval and pupal stages and terrestrial adults.
Sphaeromias
Sphaeromias is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) established by Curtis in 1829. The genus contains at least four described species, including S. albomarginatus, S. bifidus, S. gilvus, and S. longipennis. Members of this genus are small, blood-feeding flies belonging to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae.
Stomoxys
stable flies
Stomoxys is a genus of muscid flies distinguished by its blood-feeding ectoparasitic lifestyle, unusual among the Muscidae. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species, with Stomoxys calcitrans (stable fly) being the most economically significant and widely distributed. Species in this genus are obligate hematophages of mammals, causing substantial livestock losses through blood loss, stress, and disease transmission. Current phylogenetic evidence suggests the genus is paraphyletic.
Stomoxys calcitrans
Stable Fly, Barn Fly, Biting House Fly, Dog Fly, Power Mower Fly, Beach Fly, Lawn-mower Fly
Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, is a worldwide pest of livestock and humans. Both sexes are obligate blood-feeders, inflicting painful bites that cause significant economic losses in cattle operations through reduced weight gain and milk production. The species is easily mistaken for the common house fly but distinguished by its piercing-sucking mouthparts. Native to Eurasia and Africa, it has spread globally through human activity.
Streblidae
streblid bat flies, bat flies
Streblidae are a family of highly specialized dipteran flies in the superfamily Hippoboscoidea, comprising approximately 237 species in 33 genera. They are obligate ectoparasites of bats, exhibiting extreme morphological adaptations including variable wing reduction (from fully winged to completely wingless), eye degeneration, and dorsoventrally flattened bodies. The family shows pronounced host specificity, with individual fly species typically restricted to particular bat host species. Streblidae are classified as pupiparous flies, meaning females retain and nourish larvae internally until they are deposited as fully developed prepupae.
Tabanidae
Horse and Deer Flies, Horse-flies, Deer flies, Gadflies, Clegs, Green-headed flies
Tabanidae is a family of large, agile true flies comprising approximately 4,455 described species worldwide. Adults are characterized by prominent compound eyes, with females possessing widely separated eyes and males having eyes that nearly touch. Females of most species are blood-feeding ectoparasites of mammals, using blade-like mouthparts to lacerate skin and lap blood for egg development, while males feed exclusively on nectar. Larvae are predaceous and develop in semiaquatic or moist soil habitats. The family includes three well-known subfamilies: Tabaninae (horse flies), Chrysopsinae (deer flies), and Pangoniinae.
Tabaninae
horse flies
Tabaninae is a subfamily within the family Tabanidae, commonly known as horse flies. It comprises more than 3,000 described species distributed across multiple tribes including Diachlorini, Haematopotini, and Tabanini. The subfamily contains eight genera in Croatia alone, with Tabanus being the most diverse genus globally. Female horse flies are blood-feeders and significant pests of livestock, causing production losses through blood loss and nuisance biting. They also serve as mechanical vectors of animal and human pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths.
Tabanini
horse flies, deer flies
Tabanini is a tribe of horse and deer flies within the family Tabanidae, containing at least 220 described species. Members are robust, medium to large flies with prominent eyes and biting mouthparts. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Tabanus and Hybomitra, many of which are biting pests of mammals including humans and livestock.
Tabanus
True Horse Flies, Horse Flies
Tabanus is a large genus of biting horse flies in the family Tabanidae, containing hundreds of species distributed worldwide. Females possess scissor-like mouthparts adapted for cutting skin to access blood meals from mammals, including livestock and humans. The genus includes some of the largest horse flies in North America, with species such as Tabanus americanus reaching up to 30 mm in body length. Members of this genus are significant from a veterinary and medical perspective as potential vectors of pathogens including anthrax, worms, and trypanosomes.
Tabanus fairchildi
Fairchild's horse fly
Tabanus fairchildi, known as Fairchild's horse fly, is a species of biting fly in the family Tabanidae. The species was described by Stone in 1938. Like other horse flies, adults are likely to be robust, medium to large-sized flies with large compound eyes and biting mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding. The species is recorded from Canada and the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Tabanus fulvicallus
Brown-footed Horse Fly
Tabanus fulvicallus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1931. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and blood-feeding habits typical of horse flies. The species is recognized by iNaturalist under the accepted name with the common name "Brown-footed Horse Fly," though detailed biological information remains limited. Only three observations are recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, undercollected, or restricted in distribution. The Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym, while GBIF treats it as accepted, suggesting some taxonomic uncertainty or recent revalidation.
Tabanus gracilis
Tabanus gracilis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Wiedemann in 1828. The species name "gracilis" (Latin for slender or graceful) suggests a relatively slender body form compared to other Tabanus species. Like other horse flies, females are presumed to be blood-feeders on mammals, while males feed on nectar and pollen. The species is poorly documented in modern literature, with minimal specific biological or ecological information available beyond taxonomic records.
Tabanus sackeni
Tabanus sackeni is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Fairchild in 1934. Males and females exhibit distinct activity patterns: males are primarily collected at UV-light traps just before sunrise, while females show crepuscular host-seeking peaks and are caught in Malaise traps in the evening. Females frequently have large crop volumes after blood-feeding, and many dipping females are gravid. The species occurs in Canada and the United States.
Triatoma gerstaeckeri
kissing bug, blood-sucking conenose
Triatoma gerstaeckeri is a triatomine bug (subfamily Triatominae) and a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length. The species occurs from the southwestern United States (New Mexico, Texas) through northeastern Mexico, occupying dry scrubland habitats with strong associations to woodrat (Neotoma) nests. It exhibits paurometabolous development with five nymphal instars before adulthood. The species is notable for its relatively high T. cruzi infection rates in some populations and its propensity for peridomestic occurrence near human habitation.
Triatoma indictiva
kissing bug
Triatoma indictiva is a blood-sucking assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as a "kissing bug." It is a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, particularly Arizona and Texas. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and are characterized by a pear-shaped body, black coloration with red lateral markings, and a tapered proboscis. Like other triatomines, it is primarily associated with vertebrate hosts in natural and peridomestic habitats.
Triatoma neotomae
kissing bug, woodrat bug
Triatoma neotomae is a species of kissing bug (subfamily Triatominae) in the assassin bug family Reduviidae. It is the smallest Triatoma species in the United States, found in south Texas and associated with woodrat (Neotoma) nests. Like other triatomines, it is a blood-feeding insect and a potential vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Triatoma protracta
western bloodsucking conenose
Triatoma protracta is a blood-feeding assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as the western bloodsucking conenose. Native to western North America, it serves as a vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causing Chagas disease, though its vector efficiency is considered secondary to some congeners due to its relatively long development time and defecation behavior. The species is primarily associated with woodrat (Neotoma) nests and occasionally invades human dwellings, where it may bite and cause allergic reactions. Laboratory studies indicate egg-to-adult development averages 6.7 months with 72.5% egg eclosion rates.
Triatoma recurva
kissing bug, blood-sucking conenose
Triatoma recurva is a kissing bug (Triatominae) native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is a blood-feeding assassin bug that serves as a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease. The species has been documented from its natural host, the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus), and is found in domestic and peri-domestic environments. Laboratory studies indicate slower development and higher feeding requirements compared to related species, with egg-to-adult development exceeding 8.5 months.
Triatoma sanguisuga
Eastern Bloodsucking Conenose, Mexican Bed Bug, Kissing Bug
Triatoma sanguisuga is a blood-feeding assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as the eastern bloodsucking conenose or kissing bug. It is the most widespread triatomine species in the United States and serves as a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Unlike highly efficient South American vectors such as Triatoma infestans, T. sanguisuga typically defecates after feeding rather than during, reducing but not eliminating transmission risk to humans. The species has been implicated in documented autochthonous human Chagas disease cases in the United States.