Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani) vs Lesser Cattle Grub

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani) Lesser Cattle Grub
Scientific Name Lutzomyia whitmani Hypoderma lineatum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Psychodidae Oestridae
Size 2-3 mm 11-13 mm
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Blood Feeders Parasites
Regions Brazil, South America North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis transmitted by this fly can destroy the nose and palate, and was depicted in pre-Columbian pottery from Peru.

Lesser Cattle Grub

A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.

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Did You Know?

Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.