Fungus-gnats
Guides
Aglaomyia
Aglaomyia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Vockeroth in 1980. The genus contains at least two described species: A. gatineau (Canada) and A. zhejiangensis (China). Like other members of Mycetophilidae, these flies are associated with fungal habitats.
Allodia
Allodia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Winnertz in 1863. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution but is predominantly Palearctic, with recent discoveries expanding its known range in the Afrotropical region. Species within Allodia are divided between two subgenera: Allodia stricto sensu and Brachycampta. Afrotropical species show recent diversification with a single origin, as supported by DNA barcoding studies.
Belytini
Belytini is a tribe of minute parasitoid wasps within the family Diapriidae. Members are generally small-bodied, often under 5 mm in length, with reduced wing venation characteristic of the family. The tribe is distinguished by specific morphological features of the petiole and antennae. These wasps are primarily associated with decaying organic matter where their hosts occur.
Boletina
fungus gnats
Boletina is a species-rich genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, characterized by a mainly Holarctic distribution. The genus has historically been taxonomically challenging due to morphological similarities among species and paraphyletic relationships with related genera including Aglaomyia, Coelosia, and Gnoriste. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies and taxonomic revisions have clarified some relationships, though the genus remains under active investigation. Boletina species are particularly diverse in northern Europe, where ongoing research continues to reveal new species.
Brevicornu
Brevicornu is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Marshall in 1896. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with confirmed records from Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As members of Mycetophilidae, adults are small, delicate flies associated with fungal habitats. The genus includes at least three described species: Brevicornu affinis, B. amplum, and B. foliatum.
Corynoptera
fungus gnats
Corynoptera is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae, comprising approximately 123 described species in the Holarctic region. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with 50 new species described in a 2010 review and numerous nomenclatural changes including restored valid species and new synonymies. Species occur across Europe, Asia, and North America, with records extending to Nepal, Morocco, and Sri Lanka.
Diadocidia
fungus gnats
Diadocidia is a genus of fungus gnats comprising approximately 30 described species. It is the sole genus in the family Diadocidiidae, a small family within the order Diptera. Species have been documented across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The genus was established by Ruthe in 1831.
Diadocidiidae
A small family of fungus gnats (Diptera) containing two genera: the extant Diadocidia with over 20 species and the extinct †Docidiadia from Burmese amber. Adults are minute woodland flies measuring 2.5–5.6 mm. The family was historically treated as a subfamily of Mycetophilidae but is now recognized as distinct and closely related to Keroplatidae, Bolitophilidae, and Ditomyiidae.
Ditomyiidae
Ditomyiidae is a small family of fungus-feeding flies (Diptera: Nematocera) comprising approximately 90 described species. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution excluding the Afrotropical Region, with highest diversity in the Australasian and Neotropical realms. European representation is limited to two genera: Ditomyia in Central Europe and Symmerus in Northern Europe. The family was historically treated as part of Mycetophilidae sensu lato but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence.
Ectrepesthoneura
Ectrepesthoneura is a genus of fungus gnats comprising more than 20 described species. These small flies belong to the family Mycetophilidae, a diverse group associated with fungal habitats. The genus was established by Enderlein in 1911. Species in this genus are poorly documented in public sources, with limited observational records available.
Epidapus
fungus gnats
Epidapus is a genus of fungus gnats within the family Sciaridae, established by Haliday in 1851. The genus comprises approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across Europe, with records from Scandinavia and other regions. Species inhabit diverse environments including forest litter, decaying wood, and fungal substrates. Larval stages are typically associated with decomposing organic matter and mycelial networks.
Eugnoriste
black fungus gnat
Eugnoriste is a genus of black fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) established by Coquillett in 1896. In the Nearctic region, the genus includes seven species, four of which were described as new to science in a 2017 taxonomic revision: E. brachycostalis, E. florea, E. hirsuta, and E. ptilosis. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features that separate it from other sciarid genera, though detailed ecological and life history information remains limited.
Exechiini
Exechiini is a tribe of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 13 genera and at least 130 described species. Members are small, delicate flies associated with fungal habitats. The tribe represents a moderately diverse lineage within the broader fungus gnat radiation, though many species remain poorly documented.
Exechiopsis
fungus gnats
Exechiopsis is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Tuomikoski in 1966. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with particular diversity in Europe and Asia. Several species were formerly placed in the genus Xenexechia, which is now treated as a synonym. Species identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology.
Gnoristinae
fungus gnats
Gnoristinae is a subfamily of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae. As of 2019, over 442 species have been described across more than 30 genera, making it one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in Mycetophilidae with species and generic boundaries subject to frequent revision. The subfamily has been characterized as highly diverse with new taxa described annually from various parts of the world. Members are generally small flies, with some species reaching only 3 mm in body length.
Greenomyia
Greenomyia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Brunetti in 1912. The genus contains at least two described species: G. borealis and G. baikalica. Records indicate presence in boreal and temperate regions of Europe and North America, with distribution data available from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Keroplatidae
Predatory Fungus Gnats, Fungus Gnats
Keroplatidae is a family of small, delicate flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as predatory fungus gnats. The family comprises approximately 950 described species, though true diversity is estimated to be substantially higher. Members are predominantly forest-dwelling insects associated with damp microhabitats where fungi occur. The family is notable for containing three genera—Arachnocampa, Orfelia, and Keroplatus—with bioluminescent larvae, commonly called "glowworms." Larval ecology varies: some feed on fungi, others are predatory, and many combine both strategies. The fossil record extends to the Cretaceous period.
Keroplatus
Keroplatus is a genus of predatory fungus gnats in the family Keroplatidae. Larvae of several species exhibit weak blue bioluminescence, making this genus one of the few terrestrial insect groups capable of producing light. The genus is poorly studied compared to other bioluminescent insects, with limited ecological and behavioral data available. Riboflavin has been identified as a possible component of the bioluminescent system in at least one species.
Leia
Leia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1818. These small, delicate flies are classified within the subfamily Leiinae and tribe Leiini. The genus comprises numerous species distributed across various regions, with larvae typically developing in decaying organic matter and fungi. Adults are generally found in moist, shaded habitats where their larval food sources occur.
Leptomorphus
Leptomorphus is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 45 extant species distributed across multiple biogeographic realms. The genus is monophyletic based on morphological phylogenetic analysis, with four major species groups recognized: the L. ornatus group, L. grjebinei group, L. walkeri group, and L. furcatus group. Species exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with detailed descriptions and illustrations of habitus, wings, and male genitalia available for identification.
Lygistorrhina
long-beaked fungus gnats
Lygistorrhina is a genus of fungus gnats characterized by elongated mouthparts. The genus was established by Skuse in 1890 and contains at least 20 described species. Members are classified in the family Keroplatidae (sometimes treated as Lygistorrhinidae). These insects are part of the diverse Diptera fauna associated with fungal habitats.
Lygistorrhinidae
Long-beaked Fungus Gnats
Lygistorrhinidae is a small family of flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as long-beaked fungus gnats. The family contains approximately 7 genera and at least 30 described species. These insects are distinguished by their elongated mouthparts and association with fungal habitats. They are relatively poorly studied compared to other fungus gnat families, with limited biological and ecological documentation.
Lyprauta
Lyprauta is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Keroplatidae, described by Edwards in 1929. It belongs to the tribe Orfeliini within the subfamily Keroplatinae. Members of this genus are small, delicate flies associated with moist, decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. The genus is poorly known, with limited published information on species diversity and biology.
Macrorrhyncha
Macrorrhyncha is a genus of small flies in the family Keroplatidae, established by Winnertz in 1846. These fungus gnats are found in temperate regions of Europe and northern North America. The genus includes at least two described species: M. ancae and M. ardea.
Monoclona
fungus gnats
Monoclona is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 18 described species. The genus was established by Mik in 1886 and belongs to the subfamily Sciophilinae. At least one species, Monoclona carambeiensis, has been described from the Neotropical region with complete life cycle documentation. The genus has been recorded in Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and South America (Brazil).
Mycetophilidae
Fungus Gnats
Mycetophilidae is a family of small flies commonly known as fungus gnats, comprising approximately 3,000 described species in 150 genera with the true diversity likely much higher. These nematoceran flies are strongly associated with fungal habitats throughout their life cycle, particularly at the larval stage. Adults are characterized by a distinctly humped thorax, well-developed coxae, and often spinose legs. The family is well-represented in fossil deposits dating to the Cretaceous period, indicating an ancient and diverse lineage.
Mycetophilinae
fungus gnats
Mycetophilinae is a subfamily of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae. It contains more than 30 genera and approximately 2,000 described species, organized into two tribes: Exechiini and Mycetophilini. Members are classified in the suborder Nematocera, a group of 'primitive' flies characterized by aquatic or moisture-dependent larval stages. The subfamily is distinguished from related fungus gnat subfamilies by specific morphological and taxonomic criteria, though precise diagnostic features for the subfamily level are not detailed in available sources.
Mycetophilini
fungus gnats
Mycetophilini is a tribe of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 8 genera and at least 220 described species. Members are small to medium-sized flies associated with fungal habitats. The tribe is distinguished from related groups primarily by genitalic characters and wing venation patterns. Adults are generally found in moist, shaded environments where their larval food sources occur.
Mycomya
fungus gnats
Mycomya is a large genus of fungus gnats (family Mycetophilidae) containing at least 400 described species. Members are small flies associated with fungal habitats. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with records from multiple continents including South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Some species show cold adaptation and winter activity patterns.
Neoempheria
fungus gnats
Neoempheria is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, containing at least 140 described species. The genus is particularly diverse in the Neotropical region, with 41 species recorded from Brazil. Larvae develop in association with fungi, making this one of the key groups of fungivorous insects. The first biological association between Neoempheria larvae and fungi in the Neotropical region was documented in 2015 for N. puncticoxa, marking a significant advance in understanding the natural history of this poorly studied group in South America.
Odontosciara
dark-winged fungus gnats
Odontosciara is a genus of dark-winged fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae, established by Rübsaamen in 1908. The genus contains at least 30 described species. Members of this genus are small flies associated with moist, decaying organic matter where their larvae develop.
Orfelia
fungus gnats
Orfelia is a cosmopolitan genus of fungus gnats in the family Keroplatidae, comprising approximately 46 described species. The genus is notable for containing Orfelia fultoni, whose larvae produce the bluest bioluminescence (~460 nm) known among insects via a novel luciferin-luciferase system involving keroplatin. Species occur across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, and North America. In Australia, members of this genus serve as important pollinators of native greenhood orchids through pseudocopulation.
Phytosciara
Phytosciara is a genus of black fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae, established by Frey in 1942. The genus includes the subgenus Prosciara. Phytosciara (Prosciara) plusiochaeta was reported from North America for the first time in a 2019 taxonomic revision, representing a range extension from its previously known distribution. The genus is part of the diverse sciarid fauna of the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.
Pnyxia
dark-winged fungus gnats
Pnyxia is a genus of dark-winged fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae, established by Johannsen in 1912. The genus contains at least four described species, including Pnyxia scabiei, commonly known as the potato scab gnat. Members of this genus are small, delicate flies typically associated with moist, decomposing organic matter. The genus is part of a diverse family of fungus gnats whose larvae often feed on fungal mycelia and decaying plant material.
Rondaniella
Rondaniella is a genus of fungus gnats (family Mycetophilidae) established by Johannsen in 1909. It contains approximately nine described species distributed across Europe and Asia. The genus belongs to the subfamily Leiinae and tribe Rondaniellini. Most species have been described from East Asia, particularly China, within the last two decades.
Rymosia
Rymosia is a genus of fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in the tribe Exechiini. Species occur in Europe, Russia, Japan, and the Americas. At least one species, Rymosia tolleti, is exclusively associated with cave environments. The genus is part of the Rymosia s. lat. genus group, a phylogenetically cohesive assemblage of genera considered to share plesiomorphic characteristics.
Sciara
fungus gnats
Sciara is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae. The genus has been extensively studied for its unusual genetics, particularly the selective elimination of paternal chromosomes during early embryonic development. Species in this genus are small, delicate flies associated with moist environments rich in organic matter.
Sciaroidea
Fungus Gnats and Gall Midges
Sciaroidea is a superfamily of nematoceran flies in the infraorder Bibionomorpha, comprising approximately 16 families and over 15,000 described species. The group includes fungus gnats, gall midges, and related families, with larvae predominantly associated with fungi, dead wood, and soil. Fennoscandia represents a major biodiversity hotspot for this group, harboring roughly 1,000 species—about 83% of Europe's total. Despite substantial DNA barcoding efforts yielding over 56,000 barcode index numbers (BINs), only 5% currently have scientific names assigned, indicating vast undescribed diversity.
Sciophilinae
fungus gnats
Sciophilinae is a subfamily of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae, comprising at least 40 genera and 340 described species. Members are found in humid environments, often associated with decaying wood and fungi. The subfamily has a global distribution with significant diversity in Neotropical, Nearctic, and Palearctic regions. Natural history information remains limited for most species.
Zygomyia
Zygomyia is a genus of fungus gnats (family Mycetophilidae) established by Winnertz in 1863. The genus comprises at least 80 described species. Members are small, delicate flies associated with fungal habitats.