Overview

The biology of each species of sand fly is unique and complex, covering all aspects of reproduction, feeding, dispersal and other activities, being of importance for epidemiology of transmitted diseases and vector control (WHO, 1990).

Sand flies undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through four distinct stages during their life cycle: egg, larvae, pupa, adult / imago.
In arid and temperate regions, larvae may remain in a state of diapause for many months. In temperate countries, sand flies overwinter as eggs or larvae in a so-called diapause.

The life cycle of the sand fly is one of complete metamorphosis.
In arid and temperate regions, larvae may remain in a state of diapause for many months. In temperate countries, sand flies overwinter as eggs or larvae in a so-called diapause. For this reason, adults can appear early in summer, and leishmaniosis as one the sand fly-borne diseases can exist in places with a cold winter (Lewis, 1971). Similarly, diapause might also be the means by which many tropical sand flies survive periods of drought or heavy rain (Ward and Killick-Kendrick, 1974).
Palaearctic sand flies overwinter as 4th instar larvae (Killick-Kendrick and Killick-Kendrick, 1987).

From laboratory studies a complete gonotrophic cycle is normally not less than 6 weeks, but can differ between different species (Killick-Kendrick and Killick-Kendrick, 1999).

Egg

Eggs are oblong-oval, minute (average 0.3-0.4 mm according to Shevchenko, 1929) and difficult to find in nature.

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Larva

The maggot-like first stage larva can be identified by the presence of one pair of long caudal bristles, which is seen through the egg shell. Following stage larvae are progressively larger than first-stage larvae and possess two pair of caudal bristles. All larval stages show phlebotomine larvae characteristic 'matchstick' hairs on each segment.

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Pupa

The pupae of sand flies are 3 mm long and club-shaped.

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Adult

Adults can be identified from other insects by their behaviour, appearance, size etc.
Only females feed on blood, which is suspected as a source of protein for egg development. When seeking food sand flies normally have a characteristic short hopping flight.

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