Distribution of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Andorra: First finding of P. perniciosus and wide distribution of P. ariasi

[Display omitted] ► Presence of Leishmania infantum vectors in Andorra. ► Phlebotomus ariasi and P. perniciosus are present ► Wide distribution of P. ariasi (800–2200m a.s.l) ► Possible emergence of leishmaniasis in Andorra. During July 2007 sand fly captures were carried out in Andorra using sticky castor oil traps set in sand fly resting places for four consecutive nights. The sampling stations were located between 800 and 2400m above sea level. The specimens captured belong to two species of the genus Phlebotomus subgenus Larroussius, Phlebotomus ariasi and Phlebotomus perniciosus. The results shed new light on the wide geographical and altitudinal distribution of P. ariasi in Andorra, where it was located between 800 and 2200m a.s.l. The study also identified P. perniciosus in Andorra for the first time, with captures below 1000m a.s.l. The finding of these species, both proven vectors of human and canine leishmaniasis in the bordering areas of France and Spain, is considered in terms of a possible emergence of leishmaniasis in Andorra, as has occurred in other parts of Europe.