Glacier Black Fly vs Chagasi Sandfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Glacier Black Fly Chagasi Sandfly
Scientific Name Prosimulium alpestre Lutzomyia evansi
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Simuliidae Psychodidae
Size 2-4 mm body length 2-3 mm
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Alps, Northern Europe Colombia, Venezuela, northern South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Glacier Black Fly

A small black fly whose larvae develop in fast-flowing alpine streams. Adults are among the earliest insects active after snowmelt.

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Did You Know?

Larvae anchor themselves to rocks in torrential currents using silk pads and tiny hooks.

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.