
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
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.