
Community identification
Fungus Gnat
Orfelia spp. or Bradysia spp.
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera, Family: Sciaridae or Keroplatidae
- Size
- 2mm to 8mm in length
Natural Habitat
Damp environments, particularly overwatered indoor plant soil, compost, and decaying organic matter.
Diet & Feeding
Adults primarily feed on liquids like flower nectar or water. Larvae feed on fungi, organic debris, and plant roots in damp soil.
Behavior Patterns
Weak fliers often seen crawling on soil or flying erratically near light sources. They have a short life cycle of about 3-4 weeks from egg to adult.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans. While a nuisance indoors, larvae can damage young plant roots in heavy infestations. They assist in decomposition but can spread plant pathogens.