Nuisance-pests
Guides
Ceratopogonidae
biting midges, no-see-ums, sand flies, punkies, midgies
Ceratopogonidae is a family of minute flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as biting midges, no-see-ums, or punkies. Adults range from 1–6 mm in length, with most species between 1–3 mm. The family contains over 5,000 described species distributed worldwide except Antarctica and the Arctic. While many species feed on the blood of vertebrates including humans and livestock, the majority feed on the hemolymph of other insects. Several species serve as important pollinators of tropical crops, notably cacao.
Hippelatini
Hippelatini is a tribe of small flies within the family Chloropidae (frit flies or grass flies), subfamily Oscinellinae. Members are generally small, delicate dipterans associated with grassy or herbaceous habitats. The tribe was established by Enderlein in 1936. Hippelatini includes genera such as Hippelates, which contains species sometimes referred to as eye gnats due to their attraction to eye secretions.
Pollenia
cluster flies, attic flies
Pollenia is a genus of blow flies commonly known as cluster flies or attic flies. Unlike typical carrion-feeding blow flies, these insects are parasitoids or predators of earthworms and other invertebrates. Adults are medium-sized flies that frequently enter buildings in autumn to overwinter in sheltered locations, becoming active on warm winter days and emerging in spring. The genus contains approximately six species in North America, with Pollenia rudis and P. pediculata being most common. Species identification requires microscopic examination of setae patterns.
Psychoda
moth fly, drain fly, filter fly
Psychoda is a large genus of moth flies (family Psychodidae) containing over 400 described species. These tiny, moth-like flies are characterized by their dense body hair, broad wings held roof-like over the body, and long antennae. They are commonly associated with moist, decaying organic matter and are frequently encountered in sewage systems, drains, and bathrooms where they can become nuisance pests. The genus has worldwide distribution with records from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
Psychodidae
Moth flies, Drain flies, Sink flies, Filter flies, Sewer gnats, Sand flies
Psychodidae is a large family of true flies comprising over 2,600 described species worldwide, with highest diversity in humid tropical regions. Members exhibit distinctive short, hairy bodies and wings that create a moth-like appearance. The family encompasses two ecologically divergent groups: non-biting moth flies that inhabit moist, decaying organic matter and plumbing systems, and blood-feeding sand flies (subfamily Phlebotominae) that serve as disease vectors.