The diversity of species on our planet at times overwhelming and can sometimes cause nightmares. I hope our little story about hematophagy — the most common parasites on Earth, who feed on the blood of humans and animals does not spoil your sleep. Besides, when it comes to bloodsuckers, most recalls mosquitoes, although in fact the species of hematophagous much more. In fairness, we note that some hematophagy not deprived of the aura of elegance, attractiveness and mystery.
The contents
- 1 tapeworms
- 2 Pubic lice
- 3 Sea lamprey
- 4 Medical leech
- 5 Itch Sudan
Tapeworms
Eneyida is a genus of parasites, commonly known as tapeworms. Science familiar 32 species of tapeworms, which are parasitic on various animals. However, only two species of helminths infects a person. This is Taenia saginata — beef tapeworm and Taenia solium — pork tapeworm. Beef tapeworm lives in the intestine and may reach a length of 2 to 5 meters. Known cases, when the size of the parasite up to 10 meters. If you do not take any action, beef tapeworm can live in the human intestine of about 18-20 years. But the pork tapeworm, he’s a specimen, reaches a length of 2-3 meters. The tapeworm lives in the intestines of humans, which, incidentally, is its final host, but pigs and other animals — the intermediate.
Pubic lice
Pubic lice or crab lice — this insect ectoparasite of humans, the length of which is 1 to 3 millimeters. An amazing feature of this parasite is that it feeds on blood at least 50 times a day, what causes this irritating itching in the pubic area, on the genitals, rarely in the armpits and in the abdomen. Pubic lice cause a disease called pediculosis or phthirius, which is characterized by irritation of the skin. Crab lice usually are transmitted sexually, although it is possible cases of infection through close contact with the clothing of the carrier. By the way, experts say that the fashion for removing pubic hair put these ectoparasites under the threat of extinction.
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Sea lamprey
Hyperoarties commonly known as sea lampreys. This is a very primitive form, superficially similar to eels, although not associated with them. The body of lampreys jelly-like and cylindrical, without scales and very slippery. The jaws of sea lamprey round shape with suction cups, so the animal can feed on the blood of anyone. In length of sea lampreys can reach 1 meter, the weight of these hematophagous can reach up to 1 kg. once the lamprey attaches to the victim, his large teeth and tongue scratch the skin to obtain blood. Favorite prey of sea lampreys are sharks, salmon, and other marine mammals.
More stories about the amazing inhabitants of our planet can be found on our channel in Yandex.Zen.
Medical leech
The medical leech (Hirudo medicinalis) is a species of annelid worms of the subclass of leeches. It’s a parasite that feeds on the blood of humans and animals, what known since ancient times. Its natural habitat is fresh water, therefore, medicinal leeches are commonly found in lakes or ponds with mud at the bottom and in the reeds. This leech can distinguish and feel the light, temperature and humidity. As soon as she sticks to the prey, then do not release it until completely saturated. Medical leeches have been used for centuries in medicine. In Ancient Greece and Rome used them, as they believed that leeches cure all types of diseases. Nowadays, the use of medical leeches is so popular that they have become an endangered species.
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Itch Sudan
Sudan scabies (Sarcoptes Scabiei) is a type of mite egg-shaped, with 4 pairs of legs and measuring only 0.23 mm. the victims are the animals and people. Itch Sudan is, as you probably already understood, scabies. This disease is extremely contagious. This hematophage digs into the human skin moves, simultaneously feeding on the blood and multiplying. Thus, the mites cause severe itching that increases at night.