Description:
Adults are small and very hairy with a pair of pointed wings. They resemble small moths because they hold their wings roof-like over the body when at rest. They are weak fliers.
Damage:
A nuisance when numerous in and around homes and structures in the close vicinity of breeding habitats; larvae considered beneficial, an essential part of the cycle that breaks down waste into water soluble compounds.
Life cycle:
Eggs are oviposited in decaying vegetable matter, mud, moss or water. Larvae are pale-colored. Following a feeding period, larvae pupate and soon emerge as adult flies. Adults live only 3 to 4 days without food, but they can survive for weeks if nectar or other liquid carbohydrate food sources are available.