Potential Drain Fly Larva

Scientific Name: Psychodidae (family)

Order & Family: Order: Diptera, Family: Psychodidae

Size: Approximately 4 mm to 10 mm in length.

Potential Drain Fly Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in moist areas rich in organic matter such as sink drains, sewers, septic tanks, and damp soil.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on the gelatinous film or slime found in drains, which consists of bacteria, fungi, algae, and decaying organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

They are aquatic or semi-aquatic and can survive in low-oxygen environments. They spend their larval stage in the film of organic material before pupating and emerging as adult flies.

Risks & Benefits

While they do not bite and are not known to transmit diseases to humans, they can be a nuisance when emerging in large numbers indoors. In the ecosystem, they help break down organic matter.

Identified on: 6/23/2026