Are phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) really attracted to UV-light sources?

Phlebotomine sand flies are the sole confirmed vector of leishmaniosis, a group of endemic and re-emerging diseases in southern European countries such as Spain. Light traps are the major surveillance method currently being employed. Nevertheless, color light attraction by sand flies remains mostly unknown. Following prior research, the effect of UV-LED light sources, and its synergic effect with different color lights has been evaluated employing a modified Flebocollect (FC) light trap model. Results suggest that female Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies are more attracted to a FC trap lured with the combination of blue and UV LED light sources than commercial CDC (Center for Disease Control and prevention) traps (Bonferroni post-hoc test; p < 0.08; blue/UV mean = 0.50; CDC mean = 0.13), while the combination of red and UV modified-traps excel in capturing Sergentomyia minuta sand flies (Bonferroni post-hoc test; p < 0.04; blue/UV mean = 1.19; CDC mean = 0.66). However, based on our prior studies, incorporating UV light sources into sand fly traps does not seem to enhance their attractiveness, as it has not resulted in higher capture rates. These findings contribute to understanding how sand flies’ vision and light color detection is. Further research is recommended to standardize trap construction procedures and explore variations in different endemic regions according to different sand fly species.