
Community identification
Drain Fly
Psychodidae
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera, Family: Psychodidae
- Size
- 1.5 to 5.0 mm
Natural Habitat
Humid areas, particularly near drains, sewage pipes, compost, and moist soil
Diet & Feeding
Larvae eat organic matter and microorganisms found in gelatinous biofilms; adults feed on liquid carbohydrates and nectar
Behavior Patterns
Mostly active at night; they are weak fliers and often seen crawling on walls near plumbing fixtures. They lay eggs in the slime of drains and hatch within 48 hours.
Risks & Benefits
Non-biting and generally harmless, but can be a nuisance in large numbers and can potentially transport bacteria from sewage to food surfaces.