
Community identification
Phorid Fly
Megaselia scalaris
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera, Family: Phoridae
- Size
- 0.5 mm to 6 mm
Natural Habitat
Found indoors and outdoors near decaying organic matter, rotting vegetation, trash cans, and damp areas like drains.
Diet & Feeding
Extremely varied; feeds on decaying plant and animal matter, fungi, and sometimes food spills.
Behavior Patterns
Known for running rather than flying when disturbed, earning them the nickname 'scuttle fly'. Larvae develop rapidly in moist, decomposing substrates.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include being a nuisance pest and potential mechanical vectors for bacteria in kitchens or healthcare facilities. They provide ecological value by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter.