Hematophagous
Guides
Anilocra
Fish Lice
Anilocra is a genus of marine isopods in the family Cymothoidae, commonly known as fish lice. Members are obligate external parasites of teleost fishes, attaching to host skin and feeding on blood. The genus exhibits sequential hermaphroditism, with individuals beginning life as males and transitioning to females as they grow. Parasitism by Anilocra species has been documented to reduce host growth rates, fecundity, and survival.
Elthusa
Elthusa is a genus of cymothoid isopods comprising approximately 40 described species of obligate fish parasites. Species in this genus are characterized by branchial parasitism, attaching to the gill filaments of marine fish hosts where they feed on blood and tissue fluids. The genus has a worldwide distribution with records from the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Several species have been described from South Africa, New Caledonia, Taiwan, and Japan, with some exhibiting host specificity while others parasitize multiple fish species.
Haematobosca alcis
Moose Fly
Haematobosca alcis, commonly known as the moose fly, is a blood-feeding muscid fly specifically associated with Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi) in Yellowstone National Park. The species was first described by Snow in 1891 and is one of the few Muscidae species specialized for hematophagy on large mammals. Its common name reflects this obligate host relationship.
Haematopinidae
ungulate lice
Haematopinidae is a family of sucking lice (suborder Anoplura) containing the single genus Haematopinus. All species are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of large mammals, particularly ungulates. They are permanent parasites that complete their entire life cycle on the host and cannot survive away from it. Species in this family are significant veterinary pests causing direct damage through blood loss and skin irritation, with documented economic impacts on livestock production.
Mansoniini
Mansoniini is a tribe of mosquitoes comprising approximately 83 species in two genera: Mansonia (25 species) and Coquillettidia (58 species). Members exhibit unique larval biology, using aquatic plants as respiratory substrates rather than surfacing directly for air. Adults display preferentially crepuscular and nocturnal hematophagic activity. Several species have been implicated as vectors for arboviruses including Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and Mayaro virus. The tribe shows strong sensitivity to seasonal meteorological variation, with temperature and precipitation directly influencing population dynamics.
Microlynchia pusilla
lousefly of mourning doves
Microlynchia pusilla is a lousefly (Hippoboscidae) that is a permanent ectoparasite of birds, particularly columbiform hosts. The species exhibits adenotrophic viviparity, with larvae developing internally within the female and deposited as mature, ready-to-pupate larvae on or near the host. Adults are winged upon emergence but permanently shed their wings after locating a host bird, becoming obligate ectoparasites. The species has been recorded from multiple host families but shows particular association with Columbiformes, and has a broad distribution across the Americas from the United States through Brazil.
Ornithocoris
Ornithocoris is a genus of hematophagous cimicid bugs that parasitize birds. Species in this genus are temporary ectoparasites, feeding on blood during all life stages and retreating to nests or shelter crevices between meals. The genus includes economically significant poultry pests, with O. toledoi documented from galliform hosts and parrots in South America and the southern United States.
Ornithoctona
Ornithoctona is a genus of louse flies (Hippoboscidae: Diptera) comprising 12 known species, all of which are obligate ectoparasites of birds. These winged or wing-reduced flies are blood-feeding parasites found worldwide except Antarctica. Several species have been documented expanding their ranges, with Ornithoctona laticornis recently recorded in Europe (Hungary, Romania) outside its native African distribution. The genus exhibits broad host associations across multiple avian orders, with some species showing low host specificity.
Polyctenidae
Polyctenid Bat Bugs
Polyctenidae is a small family of parasitic true bugs comprising 32 described species in five genera and two subfamilies. These insects are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of bats, exhibiting high host specificity suggestive of co-evolution. The family is sister to Cimicidae (bed bugs) within the superfamily Cimicoidea. Subfamily Polycteninae occurs in the Eastern Hemisphere (Africa, Asia, Australia), while Hesperocteninae is restricted to the Western Hemisphere (North and South America).
Rhagionidae
Snipe Flies
Rhagionidae, or snipe flies, is a small family of medium-sized to large flies within the infraorder Tabanomorpha. Members are characterized by slender bodies, stilt-like legs, and often prominent piercing mouthparts. Many species are hematophagous as adults, while others are predatory on other insects. The family name derives from the resemblance of their proboscis to a snipe's beak. Larvae are primarily predatory and mostly terrestrial, though some are aquatic. The genus Rhagio includes species commonly called "down-looker" flies due to their habit of perching head-downward on tree trunks.
Spinturnicidae
bat wing mites
Spinturnicidae is a family of hematophagous mites in the order Mesostigmata. All species are obligate ectoparasites of bats, living their entire life cycle on the host. They infest wing membranes, tail membranes, and occasionally eyelids and eye canthi. The family has a worldwide distribution in bat habitats and comprises 11 genera.
Stomoxyini
Stomoxyini is a tribe of biting flies within the family Muscidae. Members are hematophagous and of recognized medico-veterinary importance, with documented roles in transmitting pathogens to humans and livestock. The tribe includes approximately nine genera, notably *Stomoxys* (stable flies), *Haematobia* (horn flies), and *Haematobosca*. These flies are distributed globally but have been specifically documented as disease vectors in North African Maghreb countries.
Tabanus pumilus
horse fly
Tabanus pumilus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Macquart in 1838. The specific epithet "pumilus" (Latin for "dwarf" or "small") suggests this species is relatively small compared to other horse flies in the genus. Like other Tabanus species, females are blood-feeding while males feed on nectar. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, with confirmed observations from Vermont.
Triatoma lecticularia
kissing bug
Triatoma lecticularia is a kissing bug in the subfamily Triatominae, a group of blood-feeding assassin bugs. It is a known vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The species has been documented in North America and Mexico, with records extending to northwestern Mexico where it has been introduced. Like other triatomines, it is an obligate hematophagous insect requiring blood meals for development and reproduction. It has been found in dog kennels in Texas, where it poses transmission risks to canines.
Triatoma rubida
kissing bug, Arizona kissing bug
Triatoma rubida is a hematophagous assassin bug and important potential vector of Chagas disease in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Laboratory studies demonstrate it has the shortest egg-to-adult development time (~4 months) among comparable species, with high survival rates and rapid defecation behavior that enhances vector competence. In southern Arizona, the species is primarily associated with white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) nests, with dispersal flights occurring from late May through mid-July when adults may be attracted to artificial lights and invade human dwellings. Females consistently defecate while feeding (93%), unlike males and immature stages, increasing transmission risk. The species shows 41.5-66% prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in some populations and has been documented feeding on humans.