Illustrated identification key of phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Phlebotomine sand flies are medically important insects, responsible for the transmission of Leishmania parasites between humans and non-human animals, which are found throughout São Paulo state, Brazil. The correct identification of species implicated in the transmission of diseases is paramount to elaborate strategies for vector control. In order to produce an illustrated key to the 67 sand flies male species and 57 female species recorded in São Paulo state we examined and illustrated specimens mounted in microscope slides from entomological collections.