Giant Tachinid Fly vs Chagasi Sandfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Tachinid Fly Chagasi Sandfly
Scientific Name Tachina grossa Lutzomyia evansi
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tachinidae Psychodidae
Size 12-18 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Colombia, Venezuela, northern South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Tachinid Fly

The largest tachinid fly in Europe, covered in dense black bristles. It parasitizes large moth caterpillars and is often seen on flowers in late summer.

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Did You Know?

Despite its intimidating bee-like appearance, it is completely harmless to humans.

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.