Drain Fly Larvae

Stagnant or slow-moving water, gelatinous organic sludge in drains, toilets, sewers, and septic tanks.

Decomposing organic matter, bacteria, fungi, algae, and microscopic organisms found in biofilm.

The larvae live within the slime layer of pipes; they have breathing tubes that allow them to survive in low-oxygen environments. They undergo complete metamorphosis with a life cycle of 7 to 28 days depending on temperature.

Generally harmless to humans but can be a nuisance and indicate a sanitation issue or plumbing leak. In rare cases, they may transport bacteria from drains to food surfaces, though they are not known to transmit diseases directly.