Bug Bloodbaths: Lust for Salt Turns Insects Into Vampires

Studies reveal how blood-sucking bugs like fire ants and vampire moths evolved a thirst for human blood.

Discoblog
By Nina Bai
Oct 29, 2008 9:35 PMOct 18, 2024 4:45 PM
Angry woman spraying bugspray in bedroom, trying to keep bloodsucking bugs away
(Credit: Stokkete/Shutterstock)

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Vampirism isn’t just for bats and Edward Cullen anymore. Some ordinary insects are also beginning to covet human blood, sweat, and tears, because these fluids contain valuable salt that is hard to find in their natural environment. Surprisingly, many species are even preferring salt to energy-rich sugar.

The Science Behind Bloodsucking Bugs

Red ants, often referred to as fire ants, are known for their reddish appearance and painful stings (Credit: Dafi Yasin Addafi/Shutterstock)
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