Common Compost Hoverfly vs Longipalpis Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Compost Hoverfly | Longipalpis Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Syritta pipiens | Lutzomyia longipalpis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Scavengers | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | Central and South America, Mexico to Argentina |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Compost Hoverfly
A tiny, slender hoverfly with distinctively swollen hind femora and a darting flight pattern. It breeds in compost heaps and decaying organic matter.
Did You Know?
Males hover in sunbeams and dart sideways to intercept passing females with lightning-fast aerial maneuvers.
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.