Taxonomic studies of Phlebotomus sergenti (parrot) (diptera:psychodidae) and its evolutionary relationship with its closest allies

In the survey,the work was done to develop taxonomic record of sand fly Phlebotomus(paaphlebotomus) sergenti (Parrot) collected for the first time from new epidemic localities of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Dera Ghazi Khan(Pakistan).In view of the published reports about the detection of Leishmania major,the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis from this species in many countries,the correct identification of this species becomes of significant value in the study of epidemiology of leishmaniasis.Therefore,in order to facilitate zoologists and medical researchers in its correct identification,taxonomic characters of P.sergenti(parrot) is studied in details with special reference to its mouth parts,male and female genitalia.A key is also given to P. sergentii(parrot) and its closest allies.In this light its relationships with its closest allies is also briefly discussed.