Mycetophilidae

Mycetophilidae, commonly known as fungus gnats, are a family of small flies in the order Diptera. They belong to the suborder Nematocera and are one of the most diverse groups associated with fungal habitats, with thousands of described species distributed worldwide.

Adults are delicate and typically range from about 2 to 9 millimeters in length. They have long, segmented antennae and slender legs, and their wings often show clear to dark coloration with characteristic venation. The larvae are legless maggots that inhabit moist environments rich in fungi, including leaf litter, decaying wood, moss, and fungal fruiting bodies. Some species feed on detritus or mosses, but many are fungivorous, playing a role in the decomposition and nutrient cycling of forest floor ecosystems.

The life cycle is holometabolous, including egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Eggs are laid near fungal resources or moist detritus, larvae develop through several instars, and pupation occurs in soil or litter. Adults are generally short-lived and focused on reproduction; they are often found in damp vegetation, undergrowth, or near fungal habitats, and may be attracted to lights at night.

Biogeography and ecology: Mycetophilidae occur worldwide, with the greatest species richness in humid temperate to tropical forests. They are not typically major agricultural pests, but some species can become nuisances in greenhouses or indoor plant settings. Their larvae contribute to the breakdown of organic matter and the dispersal of fungal propagules, making them an important component of fungal-rich microhabitats.