Fleas are ectoparasitic blood-sucking insects with the ability to jump, which commonly infest wild and domestic animals (mainly dogs and cats) but also humans.
A number of sand fly species are present in Europe and in recent years, their range has increased. They are vectors of human and canine leishmaniasis, and sand fly fevers caused by phleboviruses.
This species is a known persistent biter of humans. It is suspected of having contributed to malaria transmission in the past and has been shown to be a competent vector of both tropical and Eurasian strains of malaria.
Remains widespread in Europe, mostly coastal but also found in freshwater habitats. Implicated as a key vector of malaria during the twentieth century.