Sweet Itch Midge vs Verrucarum Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sweet Itch Midge | Verrucarum Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides obsoletus | Lutzomyia verrucarum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Peru, Andean valleys of South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sweet Itch Midge
A tiny dark biting midge with patterned wings that causes an allergic skin condition called sweet itch in horses. It breeds in moist, organically rich habitats.
Did You Know?
It is the primary vector of Bluetongue virus in livestock across Europe.
Verrucarum Sandfly
A small sandfly found in the inter-Andean valleys of Peru, serving as the vector of Bartonella bacilliformis, which causes Carrion's disease (Oroya fever and verruga peruana). It is active at dusk and night at altitudes between 800 and 3,000 meters.
Did You Know?
Carrion's disease killed thousands of workers during construction of the Lima-La Oroya railway in the 1870s.