Moth fly larva (or Drain fly larva)

Natural Habitat

Damp environments, particularly in and around drains, pipes, sewage systems, and other places where moist organic matter accumulates. They can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, algae, and microorganisms found in the slime layers of drains and other moist environments.

Behavior Patterns

Moth fly larvae are aquatic or semi-aquatic. They are typically slow-moving and remain within the nutrient-rich sludge where they feed. They undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larval stage is often the one encountered in household plumbing before they pupate and emerge as small, fuzzy flies.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include being a nuisance pest within homes, and in large numbers, they can indicate a significant buildup of organic matter in drains. They are generally not considered to transmit diseases to humans. Benefits are limited in a household context but environmentally, they contribute to the breakdown of organic waste in their natural habitats.

Identified on: 11/27/2025