Bug Identifier
Drain Fly Larva
Community identification

Drain Fly Larva

Psychodidae (family)

Order & Family
Order: Diptera, Family: Psychodidae
Size
4 to 10 mm (approximately 0.16 to 0.4 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Moist areas with organic matter, such as drains, sewage pipes, septic tanks, and damp soil.

Diet & Feeding

Decaying organic matter, biofilm, algae, and microscopic organisms found in slime layers.

Behavior Patterns

They are aquatic or semi-aquatic; the larvae live in the gelatinous film that forms in drains and pipes, eventually pupating before emerging as adult flies.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; they do not bite or sting. They benefit the ecosystem by breaking down organic waste, though a large population may indicate a drainage issue.