Common Fungus Gnat vs Japanese Cave Cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Fungus Gnat Japanese Cave Cricket
Scientific Name Bradysia impatiens Diestrammena japanica
Order Diptera Orthoptera
Family Mycetophilidae Rhaphidophoridae
Size 2-4 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Underground Caves
Diet Fungus Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Cosmopolitan Japan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Japanese Cave Cricket

A large cave cricket native to Japan where it inhabits natural caves and man-made tunnels. It has very long antennae that can be three times its body length.

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Did You Know?

Its antennae can detect air currents from predators in total darkness.