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Sandfly orsand fly is a colloquial name for any species orgenus of flying, biting,blood-suckingdipteran (fly) encountered in sandy areas. In theUnited States,sandfly may refer to certainhorse flies that are also known as "greenheads" (familyTabanidae), or to members of the familyCeratopogonidae. The bites usually result in a small, intensely itchy bump or welt, the strength of which intensifies over a period of 5-7 days before dissipating. Sandfly bites can be distinguished from mosquito bites as sandfly bite are usually found in clusters as they attack animals in groups.[1] Moderate relief is achieved with varying success through the application of over-the-counter products such asBenadryl (ingested) or ananalgesic cream such asAfter Bite (applied topically). Outside the United States,sandfly may refer to members of the subfamilyPhlebotominae within thePsychodidae. Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) are sometimes called sandflies or no-see-ums (no-see-em, noseeum).New Zealand sandflies are in the genus of sand flyAustrosimulium, a type ofblack fly.[2]
In the various sorts of sandfly only the female is responsible for biting and sucking the blood of mammals, reptiles and birds; the protein in the blood is necessary for the production of eggs, making the sandfly ananautogenous reproducer.
Some sandfly genera of the subfamily Phlebotominae are the primary vectors ofleishmaniasis andpappataci fever; both diseases are confusingly referred to as sandfly fever. In Asia, Africa, and Europe, leishmaniasis is spread by sand flies of the genusPhlebotomus; in the Americas, the disease is spread by sandflies of the genusLutzomyia.Belize andHonduras are notorious in theCaribbean for their sandfly populations and travel pages frequently warn tourists to bring bug spray containing high concentrations ofDEET.
Among the viruses that sandflies can carry is theChandipura virus, which, as a cousin ofrabies, is deadly.[3] There was an outbreak inIndia in 2010, followed by an endemic outbreak recorded inGujarat in 2024.
Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by several species of the genusLeishmania, is transmitted by various sandflies.[4]
Leishmania donovani causes spiking fevers,hepatosplenomegaly, andpancytopenia. It can be diagnosed through microscopic review by visualizingamastigotes in containingmacrophages, and is treatable withsodium stibogluconate.
Bartonella bacilliformis, the causal agent ofCarrion's disease, is transmitted by different members of the genusLutzomyia. This disease is restricted to Andean areas of Peru and Ecuador, with historical reports in Southern Colombia.[5]
Over-the-counter repellents with high concentrations ofDEET orpicaridin are proven to work; however effectiveness seems to differ among individuals with some people reporting better results with one product over another while other people finding neither product effective for them. This may be partially due to various species living in different areas.
A particular extract oflemon eucalyptus oil (not the essential oil) has now been shown to be as effective as DEET in various studies.[6][7]
Most information on repellents focuses on mosquitoes, but mosquito repellents are effective for sandflies andmidges as well.[8]
New Zealand sandflies (which are taxonomically blackflies—Simuliidae) have a nativeMāori legend wherein "the god Tu-te-raki-whanoa had just finished creating the landscape ofFiordland, it was absolutely stunning... so stunning that it stopped people from working. They just stood around gazing at the beauty instead. The goddessHine-nui-te-pō became angry at these unproductive people, so she created the sandfly to bite them and get them moving".[9]
These sand flies were able, according to another Māori legend, to revive the dead heroHa-tupatu.[10]
