# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Moth Flies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Psychodidae.jpg&width=800) Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez ( Lmbuga ), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Psychodidae.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Psychodidae ## 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 - **Waterproof Suit:** Moth Flies can survive damp environments because of special water-repellent hairs that cover their bodies. - **Nature's Cleaners:** Moth Flies' larvae can break down decaying organic matter, helping to clean up the environment's waste. - **Tough Babies:** 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 (*Bacillus subtilis*) — larvae consume bacteria in biofilm for food. - **Eaten by:** Bullfrog (*Rana catesbeiana*) — adult flies are a food source for various amphibians. - **Shelter:** Humans (*Homo sapiens*) — often find homes in our plumbing systems and damp areas. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Moth flies are safe and friendly, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Moth Flies? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Moth Flies's wingspan? 4-10 mm ### How big is Moth Flies? 2-5 mm ### How long does Moth Flies live? 7-14 days ### How fast can Moth Flies fly? 1 km/h ### What does Moth Flies eat? Adults feed on sugary liquids, while larvae eat decaying organic matter found in damp places. ### Where is Moth Flies usually found? Wetlands ### How does Moth Flies hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Moth Flies: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/moth-flies)