Severini's Rover Ant vs Longipalpis Sandfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Severini's Rover Ant Longipalpis Sandfly
Scientific Name Tetramorium severini Lutzomyia longipalpis
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Formicidae Psychodidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions Madagascar Central and South America, Mexico to Argentina
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Severini's Rover Ant

A small leaf-litter ant with a finely striate head and propodeal spines of moderate length. It belongs to the T. severini species group endemic to Madagascar.

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Did You Know?

Its species group contains numerous cryptic species that can only be reliably distinguished using DNA barcoding methods.

Longipalpis Sandfly

A small, pale-brown sandfly that is the most important vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. Males produce sex pheromones from glands on the abdomen to attract females. It breeds in organic-rich soil around chicken coops and animal shelters.

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Did You Know?

Males produce terpene pheromones that attract females, and different populations produce different pheromones, suggesting cryptic species.