Chagasi Sandfly vs Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chagasi Sandfly Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly
Scientific Name Lutzomyia evansi Brennania belkini
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Psychodidae Tabanidae
Size 2-3 mm 1-1.5 cm
Habitat Forests Deserts & Drylands
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Colombia, Venezuela, northern South America United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Chagasi Sandfly

A small sandfly found in northern Colombia and Venezuela that is an important vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi, causing visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. It thrives in peridomestic environments and feeds on dogs, the main reservoir host, as well as humans.

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Did You Know?

Insecticide-treated dog collars have been used to reduce visceral leishmaniasis transmission by this species by protecting the canine reservoir.

Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly

A rare horse fly known only from the El Segundo sand dunes in Los Angeles County. Larvae develop in the sand and adults are seldom encountered.

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Did You Know?

Most of the El Segundo dunes were destroyed to build Los Angeles International Airport.