Peruvian Sandfly vs Indian Sand Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peruvian Sandfly | Indian Sand Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phlebotomus perniciosus | Phlebotomus argentipes |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Mediterranean basin, southern Europe, North Africa | South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, particularly the Gangetic Plain) |
| 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.
Indian Sand Fly
A tiny, hairy fly with a distinctive humpbacked appearance and large, upturned wings held erect at rest. It is the primary vector of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in the Indian subcontinent.
Did You Know?
Indoor residual spraying with DDT once nearly eliminated kala-azar from India, but the disease resurged after spraying campaigns ended.