Sylvicola cinctus, Window Gnat

Common Name: Window Gnat

Sylvicola cinctus is the commonest of the window gnats and the species most frequently seen indoors, though much general literature gives the false impression that S. fenestralis is the common species. S. cinctus and S. fenestralis have collectively been reared from a wide variety of decaying substances including decaying roots, tubers and leaves, fungi, honeycombs, water-filled tree rot holes and other tree wounds, and sewage filter beds. Indoors, the larvae have been found in cider and home-made wine.

NOTE: Reliable separation of S. cinctus from S. fenestralis requires checking of the genitalia, though S. fenestralis is said to typically bear black stripes on the thoracic dorsum (usually brown in S. cinctus). S. fenestralis does appear to be rather scarce compared to S. cinctus.

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