
Community identification
Fungus Gnat
Orfelia spp. and Bradysia spp.
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera; Family: Sciaridae (or Mycetophilidae)
- Size
- 2 to 8 millimeters
Natural Habitat
Damp environments, typically found in potting soil of houseplants, greenhouses, and moist organic mulch.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on fungi, algae, and decaying plant matter in the soil; adults typically do not feed or consume nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Weak flyers often seen crawling on soil or hovering near light sources. They have a short life cycle of about 3-4 weeks from egg to adult.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans but can be a nuisance indoors. Large larval populations may damage plant roots, while they benefit ecosystems by breaking down organic matter.