Fungus Gnat
Scientific Name: Sciaroidea family
Order & Family: Order Diptera, Family Sciaridae
Size: 2-8 mm long
Natural Habitat
Found in moist environments, particularly in houseplant soil with high organic matter.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on fungi, organic matter, and plant roots; adults consume only water or nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Weak flyers that often stay near the soil surface. They have a short lifecycle (3-4 weeks) but can produce many generations rapidly.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans but larvae can damage the root systems of indoor plants if populations are high.
Identified on: 3/12/2026