
Community identification
Drain Fly Larvae (Moth Fly)
Psychodidae
- Order & Family
- Diptera: Psychodidae
- Size
- 3mm to 10mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found in stagnant water, sewer lines, septic tanks, and damp organic film inside drains.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on the nutrient-rich gelatinous film or slime (biofilm) that builds up in drains consisting of algae, bacteria, and fungi.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae stay submerged in slime but breathe through a siphon; they pupate near the surface and emerge as fuzzy, moth-like adults after 1-3 weeks.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans but may indicate poor hygiene or a plumbing leak; however, they can mechanically transport bacteria if populations are high.