Bug Identifier
Fungus Gnat
Community identification

Fungus Gnat

Orfelia spp. or Bradysia spp.

Order & Family
Order: Diptera, Family: Sciaridae or Keroplatidae
Size
2mm to 8mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.