Psychodidae

Introduction

Also known as:

Sandflies

The flies of this family are called Sandflies, with Phelebotomus the genus of real veterinary significance. However, in the New World, the genus Lutzomyia, is also of importance.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Class	Insecta
Order	Diptera
Family	Psychodidae

Phlebotomus

Hosts

Most mammals, reptiles, birds and humans.

Identification

The adults are small flies, only around 5mm in length. They have hairy bodies, and are a yellowish colour. Males have prominent genital terminalia, known as claspers. Both males and females have long, 16 segment antennae.

The eggs are dark brown or black.

Life Cycles

Eggs are laid, and hatch into larvae in 1-2 weeks. The larvae then undergo four further larval stages, before reaching the pupae stage. The adults emerge from pupation around 10 days later.

The complete life cycle is between 30-100 days.

Lutzomyia

Lutzomyia is responsible for transmission of leishmaniasis. The sand fly carries the disease from infected animals, and then infects a new host whilst feeding, thus transmitting the disease.

Only the females suck blood, and lays large numbers of eggs in dark, humid areas. They undergo three larval transformations before pupating, and then turn into adults.

Control

• Spraying campaigns
  • Mosquito control also reduces sandfly numbers

• Household control methods
  • Fine mesh screens, repellents and sprays