Verrucarum Sandfly vs Elephant Stomach Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Verrucarum Sandfly | Elephant Stomach Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia verrucarum | Cobboldia elephantis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Peru, Andean valleys of South America | South and Southeast Asia |
| 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.
Elephant Stomach Bot Fly
A rare bot fly whose larvae develop in the stomachs of Asian elephants. Females lay eggs around the mouth of the elephant, and larvae migrate to the stomach. It is one of only a few bot flies specialized on elephants, and its biology is poorly understood.
Did You Know?
It is one of the largest and rarest bot flies, and wild specimens are extremely difficult to collect due to their association with elephants.