Western Boxelder Bug vs Sergenti Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Boxelder Bug | Sergenti Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Boisea rubrolineata | Phlebotomus sergenti |
| Order | Hemiptera | Diptera |
| Family | Rhopalidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 11-14 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Western Boxelder Bug
A red and black bug very similar to the eastern boxelder bug but found in western North America. It forms large overwintering aggregations on buildings and fences near boxelder trees. It is a nuisance pest but causes no structural damage.
Did You Know?
When crushed, it stains fabrics and surfaces with a reddish-orange dye from its body fluids, which is why it should be vacuumed rather than squashed when found indoors.
Sergenti Sandfly
A small sandfly with a broad geographic range across the Old World, serving as the vector of Leishmania tropica, which causes anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is adapted to both urban and periurban environments. It breeds in rubble, stone walls, and rodent burrows.
Did You Know?
Cutaneous leishmaniasis transmitted by this fly was historically called 'Aleppo boil' or 'Baghdad boil' after the cities where it was common.