
Community identification
Fungus Gnat
Family Sciaridae
- Order & Family
- Diptera: Sciaridae
- Size
- 2 to 8 mm (approximately 1/16 to 1/4 inch)
Natural Habitat
Moist environments, indoor potted plants, greenhouses, and organic mulches outdoors.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on liquids like nectar or water; larvae consume fungi, algae, and decaying plant matter, occasionally targeting live plant roots.
Behavior Patterns
Attracted to light and moisture; weak fliers that often run across surfaces. They have a short life cycle of 3 to 4 weeks, with eggs laid in moist soil.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance to humans; larvae can damage root systems of houseplants if populations are high. They benefit ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter.