Is it a fungus gnat?
The fungus gnat is a small, fly-like insect commonly found in damp indoor environments where houseplants are grown.
CC0 photograph via iNaturalist (research-grade identification)
whichbug identifies insects from what you can see. It does not identify bites and has no health information.
What to look for
| Size | 1.5 to 3 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour | dark gray to black with pale legs |
| Shape | slender body with a humped thorax and long legs |
| Wings | transparent with distinct Y-shaped vein pattern |
| Antennae | long and segmented, often longer than the head |
| Movement | erratic, weak flier that tends to hop or crawl on surfaces |
Where you'll find them
soil of potted houseplantsoverwatered plant saucersdrain pipes near plantsmulch or organic debris in potsdamp window sills near greeneryplant pest
larvae feed on plant roots and organic matter in soil, potentially stunting plant growth.
Season: spring through autumn, peaking in warmer months
Signs it's around
- small black insects hovering around the base of plants
- yellowing or wilting leaves despite adequate watering
- visible larvae in the top layer of soil
- presence of tiny white pupal casings in the soil
Not sure? The lookalikes
| vs fruit fly | fruit flies have red eyes and a broader, rounder body shape |
| vs drain fly | drain flies have fuzzy, heart-shaped wings and a much broader body |
| vs mosquito | mosquitoes have a long proboscis and a more slender, elongated body with scaled wings |
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