Verrucarum Sandfly vs Bornean Peacock Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Verrucarum Sandfly | Bornean Peacock Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia verrucarum | Lamprosoma bicolor |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 5-10 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Peru, Andean valleys of South America | Southeast Asia (Borneo, Malaysia, Indonesia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Bornean Peacock Beetle
A small, dome-shaped leaf beetle with spectacular iridescent elytra that shift from purple to green to gold. The body is hemispherical and compact, resembling a tiny metallic droplet.
Did You Know?
The extreme iridescence is thought to confuse predators by creating shifting reflections that make the beetle hard to focus on.