While vampires may be the first creatures to come to mind when we think of bloodsuckers, the natural world is teeming with a variety of animals that rely on this vital fluid to survive
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Forget fangs and capes, these real-life vampires have evolved unique ways to tap into their hosts' blood supply
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Mosquitoes are perhaps the most infamous blood-suckers. Only female mosquitoes need blood to develop their eggs, and their bites can transmit a range of diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus
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Vampire bats drink blood from other animals, typically livestock. They are found in Central and South America
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Fleas: These wingless parasites plague both mammals and birds, leaving itchy bites in their wake. Fleas have sharp mouthparts that pierce the skin and draw blood
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Bed Bugs: These nocturnal insects live in mattresses, furniture cracks, and other close-to-human hiding places. They emerge at night to feed on human blood, leaving itchy welts on exposed skin
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Leeches: These segmented worms have been used in medicine for centuries. Leeches attach themselves to their host with suckers and secrete an anticoagulant to keep the blood flowing while they feed
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Kissing Bugs: These insects, also known as Triatomine bugs, feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans. They can transmit a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease