
Community identification
Drain Fly Larva
Psychoda spp.
- Order & Family
- Diptera: Psychodidae
- Size
- 4 to 10 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Moist organic matter, particularly in drains, sewage systems, and bathroom pipes.
Diet & Feeding
Organic slime, algae, and decaying matter found in plumbing systems.
Behavior Patterns
They live in the film of slime inside drains and emerge as adults after pupating; they are often seen wiggling in standing water or moist areas.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans as they do not bite or transmit disease, though they can be a nuisance indicating a need for drain cleaning; they help break down organic materials in the ecosystem.