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Photo#144892
Gnat? - Megaselia scalaris

Gnat? - Megaselia scalaris
Henrico County, Virginia, USA
September 11, 2007
Can anyone identify what these little flying insects are? They are in my house. I've gone through all the dry foods, cereal, dry cat foods, etc. and haven't found a source. I have no houseplants. Could I have brought them home with potatoes, onions (both now in fridge), etc.? If these photos are not good enough quality, I will try to take some more. These little flies are incredibly tiny and difficult to focus on. Though I am always looking for insects to photograph, I do prefer that they be outside and not flying in my face! :-) Much thanks in advance for any help or advice.

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Gnat? - Megaselia scalaris Gnat? - Megaselia scalaris

Scuttle flies.
This specimen is a scuttle fly, family Phoridae, probably Megaselia scalaris, the most abundant household pest species. The larvae develop in decaying organic matter. I found a few pupae under a large beetle I had drying on a board, in fact. They seem to have to require that the decomposing material be 'wet' at the time of oviposition. They might be breeding in the garbage disposal in the sink....

 
Thank you...
Yuk. Well, now that I know what they are and where they might be, I can at least begin to fight back. :-) Thank you so much, Eric!

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