Bug Identifier
Fruit fly or Gnat (generic tiny fly)
Community identification

Fruit fly or Gnat (generic tiny fly)

Drosophila melanogaster or Sciaridae sp.

Order & Family
Order: Diptera; Family: Drosophilidae or Sciaridae
Size
1 to 3 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found indoors near organic decay, moist soil, sinks, drains, and ripening fruit.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, and fermenting liquids; adults seek out sugars and moisture.

Behavior Patterns

Attracted to light and moisture; rapid reproduction cycles often leading to sudden infestations in kitchens or bathrooms.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance pest; can potentially transport bacteria from decaying matter to food surfaces, but they do not bite humans.