| Sand flies | |
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| Phlebotomus papatasi | |
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| Subfamily: | Phlebotominae |
Sandflies are a group offlies, many of which feed on blood and arevectors ofparasites.
The group is thePhlebotominae, a subfamily of flies.[1] Parasitic diseases spread by the flies includeleishmaniasis,bartonellosis andpappataci fever. In theNew World leishmaniasis is spread by sand flies in the genusLutzomyia.Lutzomyia often live in caves, where their main hosts arebats. In theOld World sand flies in the genusPhlebotomus spread leishmaniasis.
Phlebotomine females, and only females, suck blood from variousmammals,reptiles andbirds. Some species are selective, whereas others bite any suitablehost they find. All species need a blood meal for every following clutch of eggs after the first.Proteins and othernutrients in the blood enable the female to produce eggs.[2]
The flies use their mouthparts to start the host bleeding. They then suck up the exposed blood. Like practically all blood-feeding parasites, they inject biochemicals that inhibitblood clotting, plus some that stimulate hostmast cells to producehistamine; this distendcapillary vessels, thereby promoting blood flow.[3]
One blood meal can support the production of about 100 eggs. Females lay their eggs in humid soil rich in organic matter.
Sand flies are small; a body size of about 3mm in length is typical. This helps them in escape notice. Their bite is not always felt, but leaves a small round, reddish bump that starts itching hours or days later. Use of insect repellent is recommended in areas where sand flies are present.