Phlebotomi

Phlebotomi is the Latin plural form of the genus Phlebotomus, a group of small biting flies in the family Psychodidae. In English-language texts the term is uncommon; it should not be confused with phlebotomy, the medical procedure of drawing blood.

Phlebotomus species, commonly known as Old World sandflies, are nocturnal insects that range from about 1.5 to 3.5 mm in length. Males feed on nectar, females require vertebrate blood for egg development. Identification relies on morphological features such as wing venation and male genitalia.

These sandflies are important vectors of Leishmania parasites, causing various forms of leishmaniasis (cutaneous, mucosal, visceral). Different species primarily transmit different Leishmania lineages; for example Phlebotomus papatasi is associated with Leishmania major, while Phlebotomus argentipes is a vector for L. donovani in parts of Asia.

Habitat and ecology: Phlebotomus species prefer warm, arid to semi-arid climates and breed in moist, shaded, organic-rich soils such as animal burrows, leaf litter, or cracks in walls. They are usually most active at night and are attracted to light sources.

Public health and control: Vector management includes indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated nets, environmental sanitation, and reduction of outdoor resting sites. Surveillance and rapid diagnosis of human cases complement vector control in reducing transmission.

Taxonomic note: The term phlebotomi reflects classical Latin pluralization of Phlebotomus; in modern English usage the plural may appear as phlebotomuses or, more commonly, as "Phlebotomus species" or simply "phlebotomine sandflies."