Longipalpis Sandfly vs Window Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Longipalpis Sandfly | Window Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia longipalpis | Scenopinus fenestralis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Scenopinidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Indoors |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Central and South America, Mexico to Argentina | Worldwide |
| 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.
Window Fly
A small shiny black fly often found on windowsills inside buildings. Its larvae are beneficial predators of carpet beetle and clothes moth larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite being found indoors, it is actually beneficial because its larvae eat destructive carpet beetles.