Fungus Gnat

Scientific Name: Sciaridae

Order & Family: Diptera: Sciaridae

Size: 2 to 8 mm in length

Fungus Gnat

Natural Habitat

Damp environments, particularly in household potted plants, greenhouses, and wet organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on fungi, algae, and organic matter in soil; adults do not feed or consume thin liquids like flower nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Attracted to moisture and CO2; known for jerky, weak flight patterns and a tendency to swarm around windows and moist soil.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans but can be a nuisance; larvae may damage roots of young plants in heavy infestations.

Identified on: 5/28/2026