Indian Sand Fly vs Oleander Hawkmoth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Indian Sand Fly | Oleander Hawkmoth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phlebotomus argentipes | Daphnis nerii |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 80-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, particularly the Gangetic Plain) | Africa, Asia, Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Indian Sand Fly
A tiny, hairy fly with a distinctive humpbacked appearance and large, upturned wings held erect at rest. It is the primary vector of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in the Indian subcontinent.
Did You Know?
Indoor residual spraying with DDT once nearly eliminated kala-azar from India, but the disease resurged after spraying campaigns ended.
Oleander Hawkmoth
A large hawkmoth with beautiful camouflage patterns in shades of green and pink that perfectly match oleander leaves. It is a strong migrant.
Did You Know?
Despite its larvae feeding on the highly toxic oleander plant, the caterpillars are not themselves poisonous to predators.