fungus gnat

noun

1. any of several mosquitolike insects of the family Mycetophilidae, the larvae of which feed on fungi or decaying vegetation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fungus gnat¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The plant uses a musky odor to lure fungus gnats that usually feed and lay their eggs on mushrooms into their cup-shaped flowers.

From Science Daily

The yellow attracts fungus gnats, aphids, thrips, leaf miners and other harmful pests feeding on your plants.

From Seattle Times

The life cycle of the fungus gnat is 18 days from egg to egg.

From Seattle Times

Next up are fungus gnats, which I have personally battled many times as a houseplant lover.

From Salon

The presence of fungus gnats also might mean a plant is getting too much water, Natoli said.

From Washington Post