Moth Flies

Psychodinae

Moth flies are tiny insects that look like little moths with fuzzy wings. They love to fly around in the dark and are often found near water. They are harmless and enjoy damp places.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Moth Flies have tiny, fuzzy bodies and distinctly heart-shaped wings covered in scales, giving them a moth-like appearance. They are typically dark grey or brown, often found near moisture, and move with a characteristic jerky flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyPsychodidae

Moth Flies

Interesting facts

Despite their name and fuzzy look, they are true flies, not moths!

Moth flies can breed in even tiny puddles, needing very little water!

Some species of moth flies can spread bacteria if they land on food!

Their larvae are sometimes called "drain worms" because of where they live!

Special abilities

Moth Flies can survive damp environments because of special water-repellent hairs that cover their bodies.

Moth Flies' larvae can break down decaying organic matter, helping to clean up the environment's waste.

Moth Flies' larvae can survive in very low-oxygen water, helping them thrive in drains and sewers.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 4-10 mm
Size: 2-5 mm
Lifespan: 7-14 days
Flight Speed: 1 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on sugary liquids, while larvae eat decaying organic matter found in damp places.

Age differences: Larvae eat decaying organic matter; adults sip sugary liquids like nectar or sap.

Primary Foods

Decaying plants
Algae
Fungi
Bacteria
Sludge

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Bacillus subtilis

larvae consume bacteria in biofilm for food.

eaten by

Bullfrog

Rana catesbeiana

adult flies are a food source for various amphibians.

shelters

Humans

Homo sapiens

often find homes in our plumbing systems and damp areas.

Traits

Furry

Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Decomposer

Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.