Shore fly Adult

Shore flies, Scatella stagnalis occur in greenhouses, especially in propagation areas and around slow growing plants, where algae is present. Adult shore flies have a robust body (similar to a housefly, but smaller) and short antennae. They can be recognized by five light-colored spots on each of their dark wings.  Larvae of the shore fly are small translucent-white maggots without a distinct head capsule.  Adult shore flies are a nuisance pest.  In heavy infestations they deposit unsightly black "fly specks” on foliage.  Larvae are considered algae feeders, and do not feed on crop plant tissue. See fact sheet Fungus Gnats and Shore flies.