Nanchantress Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 I thought these were fruit flies or phorid flies, but when I compare them to pictures on google they don't look like either one. They are in with my E.javanicas and seem to be bothering them because the javanicas shake their legs when the flies get too close. Can anyone identify for me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vfox Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 Those look like a parasitic wasp moreso than a fly. They may have hatched out of one of their ootheca. I'd squash them just in case. I'd let someone more knowledgeable give a positive ID though, I'm just saying what I "think" they look like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADeczynski Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 They're some type of fungus gnat, possibly one of these: http://bugguide.net/node/view/7014/bgimage. I have them in some of my tanks too; they live in moist organic substrate and feed on detritus. Although they may be annoying, they do not harm the roaches in any way. Keeping the tank drier will help reduce their populations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanchantress Posted April 17, 2012 Author Share Posted April 17, 2012 After looking at those pictures, I will agree they are fungus gnats, ADeczynski. Thank you! I sure like the sound of that more than parasitic wasps - yikes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Stupid little Sciarid flies are all over my Lucihormetica bucket! I wouldn't mind so much if mantises and spiders would eat them, but I haven't had much success using them as feeders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MantisMan Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 I have fungus gnat problems when I have old soil sitting around for a while If u replace your soil they should leave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanchantress Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 I read that if I let my substrate dry out and then use a dish of water crystals for hydration instead I should have less of a problem with the gnats. Thanks everyone for your comments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrCrackerpants Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 My springtails and isopods REALLY keep the gnats down. I get them reproduce in high numbers by putting a few pieces of dry dog food in the enclosure. When it is gone I throw in a few more pieces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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