Verrucarum Sandfly vs Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura)
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Verrucarum Sandfly | Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia verrucarum | Drosophila heteroneura |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Drosophilidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Peru, Andean valleys of South America | Oceania (Hawaii - Big Island) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
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.
Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura)
A remarkable Hawaiian picture-wing fly famous for its hammer-shaped head, found only on Hawaii Island. Males use their broad, flattened heads in head-butting contests for mating rights. It breeds in decaying Clermontia bark.
Did You Know?
Males have uniquely hammer-shaped heads that they use as battering rams, headbutting rival males in combat over territory and mates.