Check out this quick video from Dr Barbora Vojtkov at Charles University as she demonstrates the delicate process of directing a sand fly to extract its midgut. To evaluate experimental Leishmania infections in sand flies, we monitor the quality of infections at specific time intervals post-bloodmeal. We assess how many parasites survive in the gut and where they are localized. Therefore, it is necessary first to remove the gut from the female´s body using special fine instruments under a stereomicroscope and then check it with a microscope. Learn about the tools, techniques, and processes we use to handle these tiny insects safely.