Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani) vs Mango Fruit Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani) | Mango Fruit Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia whitmani | Ceratitis cosyra |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Tephritidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Orchards |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Brazil, South America | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis transmitted by this fly can destroy the nose and palate, and was depicted in pre-Columbian pottery from Peru.
Mango Fruit Fly
A small, colorful fly with patterned wings that is one of the most destructive pests of mangoes in East Africa. Females lay eggs under the skin of ripening fruit.
Did You Know?
A single infested mango can contain dozens of larvae, and losses to fruit fly damage can exceed 80% of the harvest in unprotected orchards.