Sandfly
Biting flies that transmit leishmaniasis and other diseases worldwide.
Sandfly or sand fly is a colloquial name for any species or genus of flying, biting, blood-sucking dipteran encountered in sandy areas. In the United States, sandfly may refer to certain horse flies known as "greenheads" (family Tabanidae) or to members of the family Ceratopogonidae; outside the United States, it may refer to members of the subfamily Phlebotominae within the Psychodidae. Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) are sometimes called sandflies or no-see-ums, and New Zealand sandflies are in the genus Austrosimulium, a type of black fly. Only the female sandfly bites and sucks blood, as the protein is necessary for egg production, making it an anautogenous reproducer.
- Common name
- Sandfly
- Taxonomic groups
- Tabanidae, Ceratopogonidae, Phlebotominae, Simuliidae
- Feeding behavior
- Female only; anautogenous reproducer
- Bite characteristics
- Small, intensely itchy bump or welt; clusters; intensifies over 5–7 days
- Diseases transmitted
- Leishmaniasis, pappataci fever, Carrion's disease, Chandipura virus
- Primary vectors
- Phlebotomus (Asia, Africa, Europe); Lutzomyia (Americas)
- Notable regions
- Belize, Honduras, India, Andean areas of Peru and Ecuador
Lore & Background
Sandflies are colloquially named for their association with sandy areas, but the term covers multiple families of biting flies. In the United States, they include horse flies (Tabanidae) and biting midges (Ceratopogonidae); elsewhere, they often refer to Phlebotominae sandflies, which are primary vectors of leishmaniasis and pappataci fever. Only female sandflies bite, requiring blood protein for egg production. Their bites typically appear in clusters and cause intensely itchy welts that worsen over 5–7 days before dissipating.
Reader's Guide
Sandflies are significant as vectors of several serious diseases. In Asia, Africa, and Europe, Phlebotomus species transmit leishmaniasis; in the Americas, Lutzomyia species spread both leishmaniasis and Carrion's disease (caused by Bartonella bacilliformis). Chandipura virus, a cousin of rabies, has caused outbreaks in India. Prevention relies on repellents with high concentrations of DEET or picaridin, though effectiveness varies by individual and species. Lemon eucalyptus extract has shown comparable efficacy. Travel pages warn tourists in Belize and Honduras to use high-DEET repellents. Cultural views include Māori legends about New Zealand sandflies (blackflies) being created to motivate people or revive heroes.
Did You Know?
- Only female sandflies bite; they need blood protein to produce eggs.
- Sandfly bites are usually found in clusters, unlike mosquito bites.
- Leishmaniasis is transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies in Asia, Africa, and Europe, and by Lutzomyia sandflies in the Americas.
- New Zealand sandflies are taxonomically blackflies (Simuliidae) and feature in Māori legends.
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