What type of fly is this?

[Nanchantress]

I thought these were fruit flies or phorid flies, but when I compare them to pictures on google they don't look like either one. They are in with my E.javanicas and seem to be bothering them because the javanicas shake their legs when the flies get too close. Can anyone identify for me?

 

[vfox]

Those look like a parasitic wasp moreso than a fly. They may have hatched out of one of their ootheca. I'd squash them just in case. I'd let someone more knowledgeable give a positive ID though, I'm just saying what I "think" they look like.

 

[ADeczynski]

They're some type of fungus gnat, possibly one of these: http://bugguide.net/node/view/7014/bgimage. I have them in some of my tanks too; they live in moist organic substrate and feed on detritus. Although they may be annoying, they do not harm the roaches in any way. Keeping the tank drier will help reduce their populations.

 

[Nanchantress]

After looking at those pictures, I will agree they are fungus gnats, ADeczynski. Thank you! I sure like the sound of that more than parasitic wasps - yikes! :blink:

 

[Ralph]

Stupid little Sciarid flies are all over my Lucihormetica bucket! I wouldn't mind so much if mantises and spiders would eat them, but I haven't had much success using them as feeders.

 

[MantisMan]

I have fungus gnat problems when I have old soil sitting around for a while

If u replace your soil they should leave

 

[Nanchantress]

I read that if I let my substrate dry out and then use a dish of water crystals for hydration instead I should have less of a problem with the gnats. Thanks everyone for your comments

 

[MrCrackerpants]

My springtails and isopods REALLY keep the gnats down. I get them reproduce in high numbers by putting a few pieces of dry dog food in the enclosure. When it is gone I throw in a few more pieces.