A to Z of Pests

Fungus Gnat / Sciarid Fly

Family Sciaridae

Appearance

• Adult – 5-7mm. Grey/black bodies.
• Larvae up to 5.5 mm long. White, shiny black heads and transparent.

Lifecycle

• Females lay up between 100 and 300 eggs, which hatch in 4 to 6 days.
• The larvae feed for 12 to 14 days.
• The pupal stage lasts about 6 days.
• Adults live about 7 to 10 days.

Habits

• Larvae can injure the roots of bedding plants.
• They are poor fliers and can generally be seen running across plant surfaces.