Any of several species in the dipteran family Phlebotomidae (sometimes considered part of the family Psychodidae) with aquatic larvae that live in the intertidal zone of coastal beaches, in mud, or in wet organic debris.
The genus Phlebotomus transmits the pappataci fever virus, and in parts of South America, Africa, and Asia it carries the protozoan parasites that cause kala azar, Oriental sore, espundia, and bartonellosis. The name is also used for species of the blackfly and biting midge families.