Lutzomyia longipalpis (Sand Fly)

Lutzomyia longipalpis appears primarily in Central and South America and is the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum. In Brazil, the country reporting the highest number of human VL cases in the region, this sand fly is reported in 24 of 27 states. L. longipalpis is adapted to human dwellings, which contributes to its spreading in rural and urban areas. Female sand flies are catholic blood feeders with remarkable anthropophilic and endophilic behaviour. The presence of dogs at home and higher dog seropositivity in nearby areas are risk factors for VL. Current control strategies target adult stages. The limited knowledge of L. longipalpis breeding sites, which are strictly terrestrial, is a hurdle for controlling the preimaginal stages. In addition, L. longipalpis composes a species complex, harbouring an uncertain number of cryptic species. Further research may reveal that some of these cryptic species are more efficient vectors of L. infantum than others.