
Community identification
Fungus Gnat
Sciaridae (family)
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera, Family: Sciaridae
- Size
- 2 mm to 8 mm (1/16 to 1/2 inch)
Natural Habitat
Damp soil, decaying organic matter, and indoor potted plants
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on fungi, algae, and plant roots; adults do not feed or consume liquids only
Behavior Patterns
Attracted to light; slow, weak flyers often seen crawling on surfaces or soil; short life cycle of about 3-4 weeks
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; larvae can damage plant roots in high populations; benefit as decomposers of organic matter