Bristly Tachinid vs Longipalpis Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bristly Tachinid | Longipalpis Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epalpus signifer | Lutzomyia longipalpis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Central and South America, Mexico to Argentina |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bristly Tachinid
A bristly gray parasitic fly found across North America. It parasitizes a wide range of caterpillars including armyworms and cutworms.
Did You Know?
Females scatter tiny eggs on foliage, which are then accidentally swallowed by feeding caterpillars.
Longipalpis Sandfly
A small, pale-brown sandfly that is the most important vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. Males produce sex pheromones from glands on the abdomen to attract females. It breeds in organic-rich soil around chicken coops and animal shelters.
Did You Know?
Males produce terpene pheromones that attract females, and different populations produce different pheromones, suggesting cryptic species.