Longipalpis Sandfly vs Australian Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Longipalpis Sandfly | Australian Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia longipalpis | Simosyrphus grandicornis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Central and South America, Mexico to Argentina | Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Longipalpis Sandfly
A small, pale-brown sandfly that is the most important vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. Males produce sex pheromones from glands on the abdomen to attract females. It breeds in organic-rich soil around chicken coops and animal shelters.
Did You Know?
Males produce terpene pheromones that attract females, and different populations produce different pheromones, suggesting cryptic species.
Australian Hoverfly
A common Australian hoverfly with orange-yellow markings on a dark abdomen. It is an important pollinator and aphid predator in Australian agriculture.
Did You Know?
It is the most commonly encountered hoverfly species across mainland Australia.