Psychodidae
Psychodidae
Psychodidae (pronounced: psy·cho·di·dae, /ˌsaɪkəˈdaɪdiː/) is a family of small mosquito-like insects, commonly known as sandflies, moth flies, or drain flies. The family includes over 3,000 species distributed worldwide.
Etymology
The term "Psychodidae" is derived from the Greek words "psyche", meaning "soul" or "butterfly", and "didae", a suffix used in taxonomy to denote a family. The name reflects the moth-like appearance of these insects.
Description
Psychodidae are small, hairy insects with a body length of 1.5 to 5 mm. They have broad, rounded wings and long, slender antennae. The larvae are aquatic and can be found in a variety of habitats, including drains, sewage treatment plants, and rotting organic material.
Behavior
Most species of Psychodidae are not bloodsuckers, but some, particularly those in the subfamily Phlebotominae, are known to transmit diseases to humans, including Leishmaniasis and Sandfly fever.
Related Terms
- Phlebotominae: A subfamily of Psychodidae known for their role in disease transmission.
- Leishmaniasis: A disease transmitted by certain species of sandflies.
- Sandfly fever: A viral disease transmitted by sandflies.
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