Fungus Gnats

DESCRIPTION

They are small, grayish to black flies that are 2 ½ millimetres long and resemble tiny mosquitoes (minus the bloodsucking).  Their legs are long and slender, and their antennae.  Their wings are shades of gray.  They are relatively weak fliers and generally remain near potted plants, often running or resting on soil or leaves.  They don’t bite or spread human pathogens/diseases.  The only way they can harm us is through frustration as they invade our houseplants or spring seedlings.  There is a distinct “Y-shaped” pattern on the forewings.

LIFE CYCLE

During their seven to 10- day life span, females may lay up to 200 eggs into the cracks and crevices of growing media.  Fungus gnat larvae feed on highly organic soils, fungal growth and decaying plant material.  Some species can also damage the roots of seedlings or tunnel into the base of soft cuttings.

Adults live only about a week.  Under greenhouse conditions, about 20-25 days are required to complete a generation.

The larvae feed on.  When fully fed, the larvae pupate in the soil.  During the summer the life cycle can be completed in about a month.

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fungus gnat