Psychodidae

Pronunciation:  [Sigh·CODE·i⋅dae]

Common Name:  Moth Flies;  Sand Flies;  Drain Flies

Description:  Psychodids resemble tiny moths.   The body and wings are densely covered with tiny hairs.   The larvae live in dung or decaying organic matter.   In some species, usually called sand flies, the adults are hematophagous (blood-sucking) and may transmit pathogens that cause human disease (e.g. leishmaniasis).

Spot ID Key Characters:

1. Body and wings densely covered with tiny hairs
2. Wing tips pointed (not rounded)
3. Antennae with 12-16 segments each bearing a whorl of hairs

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Order:  Diptera