Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani) vs Small-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lutzomyia Sand Fly (Whitmani) | Small-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia whitmani | Ogcodes pallidipennis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Acroceridae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 4-8 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Grasslands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Brazil, South America | Europe |
| 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.
Small-headed Fly
A round-bodied fly with a tiny head whose larva parasitizes spiders from the inside.
Did You Know?
The first-instar larva attaches to a passing spider and burrows inside to feed.