Fungus Gnat (likely)
Scientific Name: Sciaridae or Mycetophilidae (familial level, specific genus/species difficult to determine from image)
Order & Family: Order: Diptera, Families: Sciaridae (dark winged fungus gnats) or Mycetophilidae (fungus gnats)
Size: Typically 2-8 mm (0.08-0.31 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Damp, organic-rich environments, such as potting soil of houseplants, compost piles, decaying wood, and moist areas outdoors. They are often found indoors when houseplants are overwatered.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae primarily feed on fungi (especially root rot and algae), decaying organic matter, and sometimes the tender roots of plants. Adult gnats do not eat and live only for a short time to reproduce.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are weak, erratic flyers, often seen hovering near plants or lights. Larvae live in the soil. Their life cycle from egg to adult is relatively short, often 3-4 weeks depending on conditions, leading to rapid population growth in favorable environments.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Larvae can damage the roots of seedlings and young plants, especially in greenhouses or potted plants, leading to wilting and poor growth. Adults are generally considered nuisance pests. Benefits: In natural environments, they contribute to the decomposition of organic matter through their larval feeding on fungi and decaying material.
Identified on: 10/17/2025