Drain flies (also known as moth flies) are true flies that belong to the Family Psychodidae. Occasionally they can cause annoyances to humans
Phylum: arthropoda
Class: insecta
Order: diptera
Suborder: nematocera
Features:
(1) small (often 2 mm or less)
(2) short hairy body
(3) oval wings larger than body with axis at 45 degrees to torso
Habitat is typically damp and dark:
(1) latrines, sepic tank, sewage systems
(2) drains in bathrooms, kitchens or basements
(3) mudflats
(4) buildings after floods or other water damage
Medical significance:
(1) infestations of buildings may occur
(2) asthma after inhalation of fly antigenic material
(3) transmission of fecal pathogens to food, wounds or sterile surfaces
Subfamilies of Psychodidae are involved in parasite transmission.
(1) Subfamily Sycoracinae (Sycorax) may transmit microfilaria.
(2) Subfamily Phlebotominae (sand flies) may transmit leishmaniasis as well as Bartonellosis and bunyaviruses.
