Drain Fly Larva

Scientific Name: Psychoda spp. (often Clogmia albipunctata)

Order & Family: Order: Diptera, Family: Psychodidae

Size: 3 to 10 millimeters (approx. 0.1 to 0.4 inches) in length

Drain Fly Larva

Natural Habitat

Damp environments rich in decaying organic matter; frequently found in sink drains, shower stalls, sewage pipes, and moist compost.

Diet & Feeding

Decomposing organic material, algae, bacteria, and fungi (the 'slime' that builds up inside drains).

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are aquatic or semi-aquatic but breathe air. They are not swimmers but wriggle through slime layers. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) very rapidly, often completing their cycle in 1-3 weeks.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Generally harmless to humans and do not bite or sting. However, in large numbers, they are a nuisance and can mechanically transmit bacteria from unsanitary drains to food surfaces. Benefits: They help decompose organic sludge in pipes, acting as decomposers.

Identified on: 3/1/2026