Fruit fly or Gnat larva

Scientific Name: Diptera (unidentified genus/species)

Order & Family: Order: Diptera, Families: Drosophilidae or Sciaridae

Size: 1mm to 5mm for the larval stage

Fruit fly or Gnat larva

Natural Habitat

Damp environments, decaying organic matter, overripe fruit, or moist houseplants

Diet & Feeding

Larvae typically consume fungi, algae, or fermenting organic material and bacteria

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are often found crawling in moist areas and eventually pupate into small flying adults; they are highly dependent on high humidity

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health, though they can be a nuisance in homes; some species can damage the roots of houseplants if present in large numbers

Identified on: 12/27/2025