Moth Flies

Psychodinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Psychodomorpha
Family: Psychodidae
Subfamily: Psychodinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Psychodinae: //saɪˈkɒdənaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Psychodinae, commonly known as drain flies or moth flies, consist of approximately 2,000 species in over 120 genera, and are characterized by their small size and hairy bodies. They are typically found in damp environments and are known for their role in sewage purification.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are small flies, 1.5 to 4 mm long, with bodies, legs, and wings covered in many setae. Their eyes are reniform and connected dorsomedially by an eye-bridge. The wings are ovate with 9-10 longitudinal veins and almost no crossveins. Larvae are segmented, with each segment subdivided and dorsally sclerotised; the abdomen ends in a tubular siphon tipped with spiracles.

Identification Tips

Species of Psychodinae often look similar, distinguishable mainly by the shape of the male genitalia.

Habitat

Larvae inhabit organic sludge inside drains and sewage pipes, as well as freshwater habitats such as edges of springs and streams, waterlogged soils, leaf litter, compost, decaying wood, and caves. Adults are often found around sewage installations and light sources.

Distribution

Worldwide, including some subantarctic islands.

Diet

Larvae feed on algae, fungi, and bacteria in sewage and organic sludge; adults feed in polluted water and on flower nectar.

Life Cycle

Females lay 30 to 200 eggs in gelatinous film in drains; eggs hatch within 32‒48 hrs; larvae pupate 9‒15 days later; pupal stage lasts 20‒40 hrs; adults live for about 2 weeks.

Reproduction

Males use species-specific pheromones to locate females, and also produce pheromones for courtship. They possess sensilla on their antennae, which may help detect pheromones.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae play a significant role in purifying sewage in industrial sewage treatment plants.