Chagasi Sandfly vs Grallatotermes Bark Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chagasi Sandfly Grallatotermes Bark Termite
Scientific Name Lutzomyia evansi Grallatotermes africanus
Order Diptera Blattodea
Family Psychodidae Termitidae
Size 2-3 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Gall Makers
Regions Colombia, Venezuela, northern South America West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Grallatotermes Bark Termite

An African arboreal termite that builds thin sheeting galleries over tree bark surfaces. Workers forage beneath these protective coverings, consuming bark and lichen. The species is common in tropical African forests.

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Did You Know?

The thin carton galleries this species builds over tree bark are so extensive they can cover entire tree trunks, making the tree appear to be coated in mud.