Fungus gnats are small, dark, short-lived flies, of the families Sciaridae and Mycetophilidae (order Diptera), whose larvae feed on plant roots or fungi and aid in the decomposition of organic matter. The adults are 2-5 mm long, and are important pollinators, and can also help spread mushroom spores. They can be controlled by Hypoaspis miles or biological larvicide that kills the gnats in their larval stage. For other uses, see Fly (disambiguation) and Flies (disambiguation). ... Genera Sciara  many more Sciaridae is a family of flies, commonly known as dark-winged fungus gnats. ... Genera About 150 see list of mycetophilid/keroplatid genera Mycetophilidae is a family of very small flies, forming the bulk of those species known as fungus gnats. ... Suborders Nematocera (includes Eudiptera) Brachycera Diptera (di - two, ptera - wings), or true flies, is the order of insects possessing only a single pair of wings on the mesothorax; the metathorax bears a pair of drumstick like structures called the halteres, the remnants of the hind wings. ... A larval insect A larva (Latin; plural larvae) is a juvenile form of animal with indirect development, undergoing metamorphosis (for example, insects or amphibians). ... Divisions Chytridiomycota Zygomycota Ascomycota Basidiomycota The Fungi (singular: fungus) are a large group of organisms ranked as a kingdom within the Domain Eukaryota. ... “Spoilage” redirects here. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A pollinator is the agent that moves pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma of a flower to accomplish fertilization or syngamy of the female gamete in the ovule of the flower by the male gamete from the pollen grain. ... For other uses, see Mushroom (disambiguation). ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Binomial name Hypoaspis miles Berlese, 1892 Hypoaspis miles is a small (½ mm) light brown mite that lives in the top ½ in layer of soil. ...

In houseplants the presence of fungus gnats may indicate overwatering. They may be feeding on roots that have sat in drain water too long and are rotting or may be attracted to fungus growing in saturated top soil. Typically draining the excess water from the plants drain pan and allowing the soil to dry will eliminate them. Fungus gnats are typically harmless to healthy plants.