Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani) vs Goliath Birdwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani) | Goliath Birdwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia whitmani | Ornithoptera goliath |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 150-210 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Brazil, South America | Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Moluccas) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani)
A small sandfly that is the major vector of Leishmania braziliensis, which causes mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil. It bites at the forest edge and in peridomestic environments. The disease it transmits can cause devastating destruction of nasal and oral mucosa.
Did You Know?
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis transmitted by this fly can destroy the nose and palate, and was depicted in pre-Columbian pottery from Peru.
Goliath Birdwing
One of the largest butterflies in the world, found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and nearby islands. Males are brilliantly coloured with green, yellow, and black markings. Females are larger but more subdued in colour.
Did You Know?
Despite its enormous size, the Goliath birdwing is a powerful and graceful flier, often soaring high above the forest canopy.