Sergenti Sandfly vs Maritime Long-legged Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sergenti Sandfly | Maritime Long-legged Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phlebotomus sergenti | Aphrosylus praedator |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Dolichopodidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa | North America, Pacific Coast |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sergenti Sandfly
A small sandfly with a broad geographic range across the Old World, serving as the vector of Leishmania tropica, which causes anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is adapted to both urban and periurban environments. It breeds in rubble, stone walls, and rodent burrows.
Did You Know?
Cutaneous leishmaniasis transmitted by this fly was historically called 'Aleppo boil' or 'Baghdad boil' after the cities where it was common.
Maritime Long-legged Fly
A specialized marine intertidal fly that hunts on wave-splashed rocks and barnacles. It has a metallic greenish body and uniquely adapted legs for gripping wet rocky surfaces.
Did You Know?
It can remain submerged by waves for short periods, surviving in an air bubble trapped by its body hairs.