Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
 

Register · Log In
HomeGuideID RequestRecentFrassForumsDonateHelp
Clickable Guide
Moths Butterflies Flies Caterpillars Flies Dragonflies Flies Mantids Cockroaches Bees and Wasps Walkingsticks Earwigs Ants Termites Hoppers and Kin Hoppers and Kin Beetles True Bugs Fleas Grasshoppers and Kin Ticks Spiders Scorpions Centipedes Millipedes

Calendar
BugGuide Gathering
Pack Forest
Washington State
July 10-12, 2009
Details...

Photos from the 2009 gathering
 
Photos from the 2008 gathering in Tennessee
 
Photos from the 2007 gathering in Minnesota

TaxonomyBrowseInfoImagesLinksBooksData
Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Flies (Diptera) » Aschiza » Scuttle Flies (Phoridae)
Photo#132841
PLEASE IDENTIFY THIS BUG
Copyright © 2007 Deanna

PLEASE IDENTIFY THIS BUG
Alabama, USA
August 1, 2007
Size: tiny
Please help identify this bug. My home is being plagued by them. They've shown up in the latter part of the summer for the past 3 years. They stick around for about a month or two and then they are gone until the following year. I have researched, but can't determine what they are or how to git rid of them. Also can't determine the source of the infestation. They just start appearing. Would appreciate any information. They are tiny (like a gnat) and fast flyers. Seem to love moisture and light. Please take a look at photo and provide any advice for getting rid of them. Thanks so much!
tag · login or register to post comments
Contributed by Deanna on 1 August, 2007 - 9:03am
Last updated 10 March, 2008 - 5:10pm

Phoridae.
I strongly suspect this is a "scuttle fly" in the family Phoridae, in which case they dart around on foot a lot, then fly short distances, dart around again....The most overwhelmingly abundant species in household habitat is Megaselia scalaris. The larvae develop in rotting organic matter, so you see them a lot around the garbage disposal in the sink, etc. A thorough cleaning is in order to keep them at bay, but there will always be a few regardless. Please consult various .edu websites for more info and hints on control. You definitely do 'not' need an extermination service.
… Eric R. Eaton, 1 August, 2007 - 12:59pm login or register to post comments

Welcome to Bug Guide.
Generally, this isn't a good place to seek how-to info on getting rid of critters. Your insect has two wings, right? Then it's some sort of fly. I really don't know any more, but hope they make a fast exit.
… Ron Hemberger, 1 August, 2007 - 11:52am login or register to post comments

Comment viewing options
Select your preferred way to display the comments and click 'Save settings' to activate your changes.

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2009 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version 		Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Site Map
Contact