Around 800 species of phlebotomine sandflies are widely distributed in tropical and temperate areas. Some sand flies are documented vectors of human disease agents including parasitic protozoa, (Leishmania spp), bacteria (Bartonella bacilliformis) and viruses (phlebovirus). In addition to presenting morphologic, taxonomic and biologic aspects of Phlebotomine sandflies, this report focuses on ecologic, epidemiologic, ethologic, and anthropic factors contributing to the proliferation of sand flies as exemplified by zoonotic cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases around the Mediterranean basin.