Verrucarum Sandfly vs Sycamore Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Verrucarum Sandfly | Sycamore Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lutzomyia verrucarum | Acronicta aceris |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | Wingspan 35-45mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Peru, Andean valleys of South America | Europe, 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.
Sycamore Moth
A plain grey moth whose caterpillar is spectacular with white tufts and bright orange and yellow hair patches.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar is one of the most colorful in Europe with dense white hairs and bright orange-yellow tufts.