Mycetophilids, commonly known as fungus gnats, are small diptera with a dark body and long legs that live in humid environments rich in organic matter. Its presence is common in poorly drained substrates, especially in greenhouse crops or indoor pots. The adults, which live only a few days, feed mainly on nectar and do not cause direct damage to the plants, but the females lay their eggs in the moist substrate, where thin, white larvae hatch. These larvae are saprophagous, feeding on decomposing organic matter, although they can also attack fine roots of young plants when population density is high. The larvae go through several stages before pupating in the substrate and emerging as adults. Under favorable humidity and temperature conditions, development from egg to adult can be completed in less than two weeks, allowing multiple generations per year and rapid expansion in confined spaces or with little substrate renewal.