Fungus Gnat
Orfelio fultoni (and other Sciaridae species)
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera; Family: Sciaridae
- Size
- 2 to 8 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Damp environments, moist soil, leaf litter, and indoor potted plants with high organic matter.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae primarily feed on fungi, organic mulch, and decaying plant matter; they may occasionally graze on plant roots. Adults generally do not feed or consume thin liquids like nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are weak fliers often seen running across soil surfaces or resting on leaves. They have a short lifespan of about one week but reproduce rapidly in moist conditions, laying eggs in soil crevices.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans as they do not bite. Large populations of larvae can damage plant root systems and transmit fungal diseases like Pythium. They serve an ecological benefit by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter.