Indian Sand Fly vs Scalloped Oak Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Indian Sand Fly | Scalloped Oak Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phlebotomus argentipes | Crocallis elinguaria |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 37-44 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, particularly the Gangetic Plain) | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Scalloped Oak Moth
A warm ochre-yellow moth with a distinctive dark brown band across the forewings. It rests with wings pressed tightly together above its body.
Did You Know?
Despite its name, the caterpillar feeds on many tree species beyond just oak.