Drain Flies
Common Name
Scientific Name
Darin Fly of Moth Fly
Psychoda alternata
Identification:
The adult Drain fly are very small, measuring 1/5 to 1/6 of an inch long, they are fuzzy, dark or grayish wit ha body and wings that are densely covered in hairs. They have rather long antennae for their size that are 13 bulbous segments with long hairs running along them. The wings of this fly seem as if they are too large for its body, and they are held “roof-like” over the body when it is at rest, giving it its mothlike appearance. This fly is not very active like other species they are very weak and make only short jerky flights when it flies, and only a few feet at a time. The eggs of this fly are brown or cream colors and are laid in masses of 10 to 20. Larvae are legless, 3/8 of an inch in length, wormlike and gray, with both ends being slightly darker.
Biology:
Drain flies reproduce in shallow water or highly moist organic solids. The eggs, larvae, and pupae are found in the muck, slime, or gelatinous film often accumulating on the sides of drain and overflow of pipes in homes, or in sewage disposal beds, septic tanks and moist compost. Sometimes these flies can be found in garbage containers, rain barrels, and tree holes.
The eggs, which hatch into larvae after 32 to 48 hours, are laid in or around one of the areas they reside. The larvae feed on decaing organic matter, microorganisms, algae, and sediment where the eggs were laid. The larvae mature after 9 to 15 days, during this time they live in the organic film, breathing through tubes and feeding on sediment, decaying vegetation, along with microscopic plants and animals in filters at sewage plants. Pupae occur in or on the surface of the breeding area, and after 20 to 40 hours the new adults emerge. The life cycle of a Drain fly can be completed in one to three weeks.
Adults live about two weeks, with old ones dying and new ones emerging. They feed on flower nectar and polluted water. During the day the adults rest in shaded areas or on walls near plumbing fixtures, and on the sides of showers and tubs. Most activity occurs during the evening when these flies are seen hovering about drains and sinks.
Habits:
The entire life cycle of the Drain fly can be completed in one to two weeks, with the adults living normally two weeks, with old ones dying and new ones emerging. They feed on flowers nectar and polluted water. During the day the adults rest in shaded areas or on walls near plumbing, on the sides of tubs and showers, anywhere where moisture is abundant. Most of the Drain flies activity is done in the evening where they are seen hovering about drains and sinks in homes.
