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Description

Despite looking like tiny moth, the Clogmia albipunctata is actually a fly. It's an invasive species indigenous to tropical areas, which has made its way to Europe. I noticed them in my hometown two years ago, but they could've been here longer than that. They thrive in moist environments with rotting organic matter, so sewer drains, septic tanks and also marshes are perfect habitat for them. Its larvae were also found in water filled tree holes of all places. Interestingly they're apparently highly water-resistant, so it's really difficult to wash them away.

Also, apparently this species can engage in myiasis. What is that you migh be asking? Well, it's form of parasitism, the female lays eggs in an open wound and the hatched maggots feed on the hosts tissue. But those cases are incredibly rare and associated with extremely poor living conditions and personal hyigene.

Description

Despite looking like tiny moth, the Clogmia albipunctata is actually a fly. It's an invasive species indigenous to tropical areas, which has made its way to Europe. I noticed them in my hometown two years ago, but they could've been here longer than that. They thrive in moist environments with rotting organic matter, so sewer drains, septic tanks and also marshes are perfect habitat for them. Its larvae were also found in water filled tree holes of all places. Interestingly they're apparently highly water-resistant, so it's really difficult to wash them away.

Also, apparently this species can engage in myiasis. What is that you migh be asking? Well, it's form of parasitism, the female lays eggs in an open wound and the hatched maggots feed on the hosts tissue. But those cases are incredibly rare and associated with extremely poor living conditions and personal hyigene.