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Adults are small 2mm, black flies. The adults have reddish eyes and gray
wings with clear spots. They are rapid fliers. Antenna are short; this is
a good way to distinguish them from fungus gnats (who have long antenna).
The larva has 2 spiracles (tail like projection) on the rear of its body.
The mature maggot is about 2.6 mm long.
Adults are commonly found in areas with algae deposits. Females deposit
eggs on soil surface. The eggs hatch in 2-3 days and the maggots begin to
feed on bacteria, yeasts, and diatoms found in the top surface of potting
mixes. The larvae mature in 3 to 6 days and then pupate. An adult will
immerge in 4 to 5 days and continue to feed on diatoms. They tend to stay
close to breeding sites.
These flies do
not feed on any ornamental plant, but their excrement left on foliage is
unsightly and they vector pathogens. Adults flying around are undesirable.
Can sometimes be confused with
fungus gnats, moth flies or hunter flies.
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