Peruvian Sandfly vs Margined Leatherwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peruvian Sandfly | Margined Leatherwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phlebotomus perniciosus | Chauliognathus marginatus |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Cantharidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Mediterranean basin, southern Europe, North Africa | Eastern North America |
| 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.
Margined Leatherwing
An early-summer soldier beetle found across eastern North America with yellow elytra edged in dark margins. It visits a wide variety of flowers.
Did You Know?
Unlike the similar goldenrod soldier beetle, this species appears in late spring rather than autumn.