Moth Fly

The entire body and wings of the moth fly are covered with tiny hairs, giving it a moth-like appearance. It generally looks like a small fly with fat wings however a closer look will reveal its unmistakable moth-like appearance. Moth flies are no more than 3mm in length including the wings. They are usually black in colour. 

Moth flies lay eggs in a mass of 30 to 100. These eggs hatch in less than 48 hours. The larvae and pupae of the moth fly live in the thin film found in drains, septic tank field lines or filter stones. The larvae feed on sediment, decaying vegetation and microscopic plants and animals. Development time from egg to adult is approx. 14 days. 

Moth flies can be found in sinks and bathtub drains and emerging adults found resting on the walls. They breed in large numbers in sewer plants and are easily blown towards homes by the wind. Their small size enables them to penetrate ordinary fly screens.