Owl Midge vs Intermedia Sandfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Owl Midge Intermedia Sandfly
Scientific Name Clogmia albipunctata Lutzomyia intermedia
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Psychodidae Psychodidae
Size 2-5 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions Cosmopolitan Southeastern Brazil
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Owl Midge

A small fuzzy moth-like fly found in bathrooms and drains worldwide. Its larvae feed on gelatinous films of bacteria inside drainage pipes.

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Did You Know?

Despite living in unsanitary conditions, it is not known to transmit any diseases to humans.

Intermedia Sandfly

A tiny sandfly found in southeastern Brazil that is a major vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Atlantic Forest regions. It thrives in peridomestic environments near deforested areas and is attracted to light. It is most active during humid nights near forest remnants.

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Did You Know?

Deforestation of the Atlantic Forest has brought this sandfly into closer contact with humans, increasing leishmaniasis cases.