
Community identification
Phorid Fly
Family Phoridae
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera, Family: Phoridae
- Size
- 0.5 to 5.5 mm (1/64 to 1/4 inch)
Natural Habitat
Moist decaying organic matter, sewer pipes, drains, and rotting vegetation
Diet & Feeding
Decaying organic material, fungi, and occasionally other insects
Behavior Patterns
Known for a characteristic rapid, scuttling run rather than immediate flight when disturbed; often called hump-backed flies due to their arched thorax
Risks & Benefits
Can be a nuisance pest in homes and hospitals; potentially spreads bacteria from unsanitary habitats to food surfaces, though they also play a role in decomposition ecosystem processes