Why Do Flies Drink Blood?
WouterInsects that feed on blood have several different species. One of the most well-known species is the mosquito, which is a member of the Culicidae family. The female mosquito feeds on human blood to make eggs, and the larvae are worm-like maggots that are brown, tan, or whitish. Both sexes feed on the same type of blood, and the larvae feed on the same kind of organic matter in the water. Female mosquitoes feed on blood by injecting a long tube into their host’s skin and release saliva to prevent clotting.
Adult flies typically feed on nectar and other liquids that contain nutrients. They may also “spit” onto dry foods in order to obtain extra nutrients. As a result, they may contaminate human food. Some species of flies also feed on blood of vertebrates, which helps them to lay eggs.
Another species of fly that is known to feed on blood is the tsetse fly. These insects are known for spreading the human sleeping sickness and an animal disease called nagana. However, most species of flies are non-biting and feed on liquid. Despite this, some species actually feed exclusively on liquid.
In addition to causing painful bites, horse flies also impair the milk production of cows and horses. In addition, they can cause allergic reactions. The flies themselves are able to move at very high speeds, and their bites can result in significant blood loss. According to Webb and Wells, an adult horse fly can consume 1 cc of blood during its feeding. That is about the equivalent of 20 teaspoons of blood if it feeds for six hours.
