Solenophagie

Last updated on: 13.07.2025

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Solenophagy (from the Greek "solen" = tube/channel and "phagein" = to eat) is a feeding method of blood-sucking insects (solenophagous insects) in which they pierce directly into a blood vessel (capillary) in order to actively absorb the blood from this vessel. They use very thin mouthparts (e.g. a proboscis) to pierce the capillaries directly and only suck blood. Blood is absorbed more quickly and with less tissue damage. Less saliva is injected, which can reduce the risk of immune reactions - but also carries the potential for the transmission of certain pathogens.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

For example, the Anopheles mosquito (vector of malaria) is a solenophagous insect.

The opposite of solenophagy is telmophagy (pool sucking).

Last updated on: 13.07.2025