Friday, January 9, 2015

Bathroom mothmidge

Moth flies such as the bathroom mothmidge (Clogmia albipunctata) love to live in places where wet, microorganism-rich films can be found, such as on wet rocks, near streams or in sink and sewage drainpipes. These small true flies are aptly named for their short, hairy bodies and wings which give them a fuzzy moth-like appearance. The adults have long antennae and are most active at night within their damp environments. 

Most North American moth flies do not bite, but some tropical members of this family are blood feeders and can be vectors for transmitting dangerous diseases such as leishmaniasis, which can cause extensive skin sores. Species of North American nonbiting moth flies can occur in huge numbers within compost heaps, a habitat they share with common members of the small wood gnat and scavenger fly families. 

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