Australian Museum
Guided Tour
Bloodsuckers: Audio Description Tour
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Explore the science behind nature's most notorious feeders in this audio described tour of Bloodsuckers: Nature's Vampires and discover how these curious creatures have shaped medicine, science and our understanding of the natural world.
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1
Bloodsuckers: Nature's Vampires
Welcome to Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires at the Australian Museum. From ancient myths to modern science, this exhibition explores animals that feed on blood.
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Blood
Discover why blood is an important food source for some animals and the features that make it so valuable.
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Fossilised black flies
Explore the ancient origins of blood feeding and discover how this strategy evolved across the tree of life, long before dinosaurs walked the Earth.
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Black fly head model
From specialised senses to complex mouthparts, learn about the remarkable adaptations that help blood-feeding animals find and feed on blood.
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Diversity of bloodfeeders
Blood-feeding animals live in environments around the world. Meet the diverse species that rely on blood and learn about their roles within ecosystems.
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Vampire bats
Vampire bats emerge at night to feed, using sharp fangs to make bites that can go unnoticed. See how these tiny bats feed on sleeping animals including livestock.
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Imagining bloodsuckers
From the stage to the big screen, vampires have become enduring figures in popular culture. Discover how bloodfeeders have inspired characters and stories for more than a century.
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Bloodletting
From ancient medicine to the 1800s, leeches were used to treat a wide range of illnesses. Trace the history of bloodletting and the surprising story behind the barber’s pole.
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Overcoming disease
From malaria to Lyme disease, blood-feeding animals can spread infections caused by microscopic organisms. Learn how scientists work to understand, manage and prevent these diseases.
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Creating a physical barrier
Blood-feeders are all around us. Learn how to recognise the risks, protect yourself and confidently share the planet with these remarkable animals.
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