Fungus Gnat Larva

Damp soil, decaying organic matter, potted plant soil, greenhouses, and mushroom farms.

Feeds primarily on fungi, decaying plant material, and root hairs in soil.

Larvae live in the top few inches of moist soil. They are legless and worm-like with a distinctive shiny black head capsule (though difficult to see in this blurry image). Adult gnats fly erratically near the soil surface.

Risks: Larvae can damage plant roots, stunting growth, especially in seedlings and cuttings. They can also spread fungal diseases like pythium. Benefits: They aid in the decomposition of organic matter in compost piles.