Moth Fly, Drain Fly
 PSYCHODIDAE,   DIPTERA
  
Don Herbison-Evans
(donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Stella Crossley


(Photo: courtesy of Christine Darwood, Cotter Reserve, Australian Capital Territory)

These are not moths or butterflies, but are in a totally different insect order: DIPTERA (Flies). These insects are hairy, with a single pair of wings, with a wingspan of about 0.5 cm. They appear to be attracted to the smell of petrol.


(Photo: copyright of Brett and Marie Smith, Ellura Sanctuary, South Australia)

Moth Flies have been found in

  • Australian Capital Territory, and
  • South Australia.

    Further reading:

    Alisha Steward,
    Observations of aquatic, bug-eating moth fly larvae,
    Butterflies and Other Invertebrates Club,
    Metamorphosis Australia,
    Issue 68 (March 2013), pp. 17-20.

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    (written 18 March 2018, updated 8 August 2024)