Since the description of
Lutzomyia longipalpis
by Lutz and Neiva more than 100 years ago, much has been written
in the scientific literature about this phlebotomine species. Soares and Turco (2003) and Lainson and Rangel
(2005) have written extensive reviews focused on vector-host-parasite interactions and American visceral leishmaniasis
ecology. However, during the last two decades, the success of
Lu. longipalpis in colonising urban environments
and its simultaneous geographical spreading have led to new theoretical and operational questions. Therefore, this
review updates the general information about this species and notes the more challenging topics regarding the new
scenario of urbanisation-spreading and its control in America. Here, we summarise the literature on these issues
and the remaining unsolved questions, which pose recommendations for operational research.
