Giant Tachinid Fly vs Sergenti Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Tachinid Fly | Sergenti Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tachina grossa | Phlebotomus sergenti |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Despite its intimidating bee-like appearance, it is completely harmless to humans.
Sergenti Sandfly
A small sandfly with a broad geographic range across the Old World, serving as the vector of Leishmania tropica, which causes anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is adapted to both urban and periurban environments. It breeds in rubble, stone walls, and rodent burrows.
Did You Know?
Cutaneous leishmaniasis transmitted by this fly was historically called 'Aleppo boil' or 'Baghdad boil' after the cities where it was common.