- Also known as sandflies
- Phlebotomus (Old World except UK) and Lutzomyia (New World) are both of major veterinary importance
- Common in the tropics
Recognition
- 1-3mm long
- Resemble miniature mosquitoes
- Hairs on wing margins and veins
Life cycle
- Eggs are laid on the ground or in cracks on floors
- Life cycle takes 1-2 weeks to complete
Pathogenesis
- Males are nuisance flies
- Females suck blood
- Transmit Leishmania spp.
- Responsible for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniosis in humans, using dogs as reservoir hosts
Control
- Spraying campaigns
- Mosquito control also reduces sandfly numbers
- Household control methods
- Fine mesh screens, repellents and sprays