Common Fungus Gnat vs Sweat Bee Stylops

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Fungus Gnat Sweat Bee Stylops
Scientific Name Bradysia impatiens Stylops nevinsoni
Order Diptera Strepsiptera
Family Mycetophilidae Stylopidae
Size 2-4 mm 2.0-3.0 mm (males)
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Parasites
Regions Cosmopolitan Europe
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Sweat Bee Stylops

A strepsipteran endoparasite of Andrena bees in the British Isles. Parasitized bees emerge earlier than unparasitized individuals.

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Did You Know?

Infected bees emerge from hibernation earlier in spring, which helps the strepsipteran synchronize its mating season.