What is the life cycle of sandflies ?

The larvae are not aquatic, unlike true mosquitoes. The eggs are laid in very damp areas (gutters, places which retain a level of dampness with lots of detritus). The larvae, which hatch quickly, feed on organic and vegetable debris. After 4 stages, they develop into nymphs, the 5th and last stage, and these turn into adults within a few days. From the egg to L4, development takes 3 to 5 weeks. L4 are the larvae which go into diapause in winter. The nymph stage, prior to emergence as adults, lasts between 1 and 2 weeks.