Evolution of Hematophagy in Insects: A new Perspective

Abstract

Hematophagy, also referred as sanguivory is the feeding on blood as primary food source, has independently evolved in diverse insect lineages, resulting in a fascinating array of blood-feeding behaviors. This review article explores the evolutionary process of hematophagy in insects, elucidating the ecological, physiological, and genetic factors that have contributed to the development of this feeding behavior. We discuss the adaptations and mechanisms that have evolved in hematophagous insects, highlighting the scientific evidence and examples from various insect taxa. Furthermore, we analyze the ecological implications of hematophagy and its impact on host-parasite interactions, disease transmission, and evolutionary relationships. Hematophagy, the practice of feeding on blood, has evolved independently in multiple insect taxa. Blood provides a nutrient-rich food source, but locating vertebrate hosts and avoiding host defenses poses challenges. This review examines current hypotheses on how hematophagy arose in major insect taxa and the selective pressures driving its evolution. Factors including symbiont acquisition, changing ecological opportunities, and resource competition are evaluated as potential drivers of this specialized feeding mode. Parallels are drawn across distantly related insect lineages with hematophagous species.