Peruvian Sandfly vs Elephant Stomach Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peruvian Sandfly | Elephant Stomach Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phlebotomus perniciosus | Cobboldia elephantis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Mediterranean basin, southern Europe, North Africa | South and Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Peruvian Sandfly
A small sandfly found across the Mediterranean basin that is the primary vector of Leishmania infantum, which causes visceral leishmaniasis in dogs and humans in southern Europe. It is also a vector of Toscana virus, which causes meningitis. It breeds in stone walls and animal shelters.
Did You Know?
Canine leishmaniasis transmitted by this fly affects millions of dogs across southern Europe and is increasingly spreading northward with climate change.
Elephant Stomach Bot Fly
A rare bot fly whose larvae develop in the stomachs of Asian elephants. Females lay eggs around the mouth of the elephant, and larvae migrate to the stomach. It is one of only a few bot flies specialized on elephants, and its biology is poorly understood.
Did You Know?
It is one of the largest and rarest bot flies, and wild specimens are extremely difficult to collect due to their association with elephants.