Fungus Gnat
Culicidae Fungorum, Gnat of the fungi, Gungus gnat
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameFungus Gnat
DescriptionFungus gnats are tiny flies whose larvae feed on plant roots in moist soil. Learn to identify these pests and implement effective organic control strategies.
TypeInsect
FamilyMycetophilidae
GenusMycetophila
TribeMycetophilini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderDiptera
SubfamilyMycetophilinae
Features
- Named 'fungus gnats' because their larvae feed primarily on fungi, decaying organic matter, and algae in moist soil. Adults resemble tiny mosquitoes
- Adults are small, dark flies with long legs and antennae. Bodies are grey or black. Wings are clear or slightly smoky. Larvae are white, translucent maggots with black heads
- Larvae feed on plant roots, root hairs, and lower stems in soil. Tunnel into roots and seedlings, reducing their ability to absorb water and nutrients
- Cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting in seedlings and young plants. Severe infestations can kill seedlings. Adults are nuisance pests but don't damage plants
- Adults live 7-10 days. Females lay 200-300 eggs in moist soil. Larvae develop for 2 weeks before pupating. Complete lifecycle in 3-4 weeks
- Adults measure 2-4 mm in length. Larvae grow up to 5-6 mm long. Easily visible flying around plants or resting on soil surface
- Thrive in moist, overwatered soil with high organic matter. Most common in greenhouses, houseplants, and seedling trays. Active year-round indoors
- Attack houseplants, seedlings, greenhouse crops, mushrooms, African violets, geraniums, carnations, poinsettias, and any plants in constantly moist soil
- Prevent by allowing soil to dry between waterings, avoiding overwatering, using well-draining soil, and removing decaying plant material. Cover soil with sand or gravel
- Natural predators include predatory mites and nematodes. Treat with yellow sticky traps for adults, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bti) for larvae, neem oil, or hydrogen peroxide soil drench
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificCulicidae Fungorum, Gnat of the fungi, Gungus gnat
English (Alternate)Sciarid flies, Dark-Winged Fungus gnats
Hindiकवक दंशक (Kavak Danshak)
Tamilபூஞ்சை ஈ (poonjai e)
Teluguಪುಟ್ಟಗೊಡುಗು ದೋಮ (puttagoduugu doma)
Malayalamಫಂಗಸ್ ಈಚ (phangas eecha), ಚೆರಿಯ ಈಚ (cheriya eecha), ಚೆರಿಯ ಕೊತುಕ್ (cheriya kothuk)
Kannadaಶಿಲೀಂಧ್ರ ನೊಣ (Shilīndhra Nōṇa)
Sanskritಪಿಪಿಲಿಕಾ (pipīlikā), ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮಕೀಟ (sūkṣmakīṭa)
Bengaliಚತ್ರಕ್ ಮಶಾ (chhatrak mosha), ಫಾಂಗಸ್ ಮಶಾ (phangas mosha)
Frenchmoucheron mycétophile, mouche des terreaux
Russianಗ್ರಿಬ್ನೋಯ್ ಕೊಮರಿಕ್ (gribnoy komarik)
Spanishmosquito de los hongos, mosca del mantillo
GermanTrauermücke, Trauermücken
