Longipalpis Sandfly vs Emerald Cuckoo Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Longipalpis Sandfly Emerald Cuckoo Wasp
Scientific Name Lutzomyia longipalpis Stilbum cyanurum
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Psychodidae Chrysididae
Size 2-3 mm 10-18 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Central and South America, Mexico to Argentina Africa, Southern Asia, Australia, Southern Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

Males produce terpene pheromones that attract females, and different populations produce different pheromones, suggesting cryptic species.

Emerald Cuckoo Wasp

One of the largest and most spectacular cuckoo wasps with a vivid metallic green and blue body. It parasitizes mud dauber wasp nests across the Old World tropics.

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Did You Know?

It is the largest cuckoo wasp in the world and its metallic colors can shift from green to blue depending on the viewing angle.