Fungus Gnat
Scientific Name: Various genera including Sciara, Bradysia, and Orfelia, depending on species
Order & Family: Order: Diptera, Family: Sciaridae (dark-winged fungus gnats) or Mycetophilidae (true fungus gnats)
Size: Typically 2-5 mm (0.08-0.2 inches)
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in damp, humid environments, especially around houseplants, greenhouses, and areas with decaying organic matter. They thrive in moist soil conditions.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae primarily feed on fungi, decaying plant matter, and root hairs in moist soil. Adults do not feed significantly and live only a short time.
Behavior Patterns
Fungus gnats are attracted to light and moisture. Adult females lay eggs in moist soil, and larvae then feed on fungi and decaying plant matter in the soil. Their life cycle from egg to adult is relatively short, often 3-4 weeks, allowing for rapid population growth in favorable conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include nuisance infestations, and heavy larval infestations can damage the roots of young or sensitive plants. Generally, they pose no direct health risk to humans. Benefits are negligible, as they are not significant pollinators or decomposers in most environments where they are encountered.
Identified on: 8/13/2025