Humidity and temperature preference in sand flies

We characterized the habitat of two species of sand flies, <i>Lutzomyia longipalpis</i> and <i>Pintomyia evansi</i>. Additionally, we studied two behavioral factors of thermal fitness - thermal and humidity preference in two species of sand flies alongside a key aspect of physiological tolerance - desiccation resistance.<b> </b>We found that <i>Lu. longipalpis</i> is found at cooler and drier conditions than <i>Pi. evansi</i>. Our results also show significant interspecific differences in both behavioral traits, with <i>Pi. evansi</i> preferring warmer, more humid conditions than <i>Lu. longipalpis</i>. Finally, we found that <i>Lu. longipalpis</i> shows greater tolerance to extreme low humidity, and that this is especially pronounced in males of the species.