Moth Flies

Family Psychodidae

Maruina sp.. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The adults are common in moist shady places, and are sometimes found in large numbers around drains or sewers. They are mostly nocturnal, and rest in shaded places during the day. The larvae are found in decaying matter, mud, moss and some are aquatic. One group of Psychodidae, called sand flies, that are found in the southern United States and in the tropics are bloodfeeders and are vectors of several diseases. Psychodids are small to very small flies, usually covered with thick hairs that give them a mothlike appearance. The wings are broad and pointed at the end and most species hold the wings rooflike over the body when at rest.