VPA 221: Veterinary Entomology and Acarology (1+1)

SAND FLIES - MORPHOLOGY

• Small, like miniature mosquitoes
• 2-3 mm long, rarely 5 mm
• Light yellow to grey in colour- hence the common name sand fly
• Body densely covered with hairs

Head

• Elongated, hangs down from the thorax
• Eyes: Conspicuous large dark compound eyes-hence the common name owl midges
• Antenna:  similar in both males and females - Moniliform (with a beaded appearance), 16 segmented Each segment of the antenna is encircled by whorls of hair
• Mouthparts:  adapted for biting
• Palps:  pendulous, hairy  and 5 jointed

Thorax

• Raised/arched/humped, covered with hairs
• Wings: large lanceolate, held roof like over the abodomen. 2 ^nd longitudinal vein forked twice.
• Legs:  long slender and stilt like covered with hairs

Abdomen

• Long, 8-10 segmented, and covered with hairs
• It is rounded posteriorly in females while in males claspers are present