Longipalpis Sandfly vs Brown Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Longipalpis Sandfly Brown Cockroach
Scientific Name Lutzomyia longipalpis Periplaneta brunnea
Order Diptera Blattodea
Family Psychodidae Blattidae
Size 2-3 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Central and South America, Mexico to Argentina Pantropical, southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Brown Cockroach

A glossy reddish-brown cockroach often confused with the American cockroach. It is slightly smaller with a more uniform color.

💡

Did You Know?

It glues its egg cases to surfaces rather than dropping them, unlike the American cockroach.