Zebra Longwing vs Longipalpis Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Zebra Longwing | Longipalpis Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliconius charithonia | Lutzomyia longipalpis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 72-100 mm wingspan | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Central America, South America | Central and South America, Mexico to Argentina |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Zebra Longwing
A neotropical butterfly with elongated jet-black wings bearing bold pale yellow stripes. It is unusual among butterflies for feeding on pollen in addition to nectar.
Did You Know?
This butterfly can digest pollen by dissolving it with saliva on its proboscis, providing amino acids that allow adults to live six months or longer.
Longipalpis Sandfly
A small, pale-brown sandfly that is the most important vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. Males produce sex pheromones from glands on the abdomen to attract females. It breeds in organic-rich soil around chicken coops and animal shelters.
Did You Know?
Males produce terpene pheromones that attract females, and different populations produce different pheromones, suggesting cryptic species.