Australian March Fly vs Common Fungus Gnat

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian March Fly Common Fungus Gnat
Scientific Name Bibio imitator Bradysia impatiens
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Bibionidae Mycetophilidae
Size 6-10 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Herbivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Australia Cosmopolitan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian March Fly

A robust black bibionid fly that appears in large numbers during the Australian autumn. It has a hairy body and is a sluggish flyer, often seen resting on vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Despite sharing the common name with horse flies in Australia, march flies in the family Bibionidae are completely harmless.

Common Fungus Gnat

A small, delicate dark fly with long legs and antennae that commonly infests houseplant soil. Adults are weak fliers that hover near potted plants and are attracted to light.

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Did You Know?

Fungus gnats are one of the most common houseplant pests worldwide, with larvae damaging roots of seedlings.