
Community identification
Drain Fly (Moth Fly)
Psychodidae
- Order & Family
- Order Diptera, Family Psychodidae
- Size
- 2mm to 5mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Damp areas with organic matter, such as drains, sewers, septic tanks, and damp soil.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on decomposing organic matter and the biofilm (slime) found in pipes. Adults feed on liquid carbohydrates and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
They are poor fliers and are typically seen crawling on walls near drains. They are most active at night. Their life cycle from egg to adult takes about 1 to 3 weeks.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit diseases to humans. They are generally considered a nuisance pest. Benefits include the larvae helping to break down organic material in sewage systems.