Sciaridae

Pronunciation:  [See·AIR·i⋅dae]

Common Name:  Dark-winged Fungus Gnats

Description:  Sciarids are small, delicate flies with long, multi-segmented antennae.  They have dark colored bodies and smoky wings with a distinctive bell-shaped fork in the “M” vein.   Sciarids are typically found in moist environments where their larvae feed on fungi and decaying organic material.

Spot ID Key Characters:

1. Long, multi-segmented antennae with 8-16 segments
2. Dark colored body with smoky wings
3. “M” vein forms a distinct “bell” shape

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Order:  Diptera