Humpbacked Fly

The humpbacked fly gets its name from the arched thorax notable in the adult fly, which gives it a humpbacked appearance. These flies are tiny, only 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long, and are black or dark brown in color, with the occasional yellow shade.

There are a few species of this fly, with some feeding on fungi and others favoring other insects. All are characterized by short, erratic flight patterns, almost appearing to run across surfaces, such as windows, tables, even plant foliage. They are sometimes confused with fruit flies and gnats because of this tendency and their small size.

Like many flies, organic matter and warm moist areas with standing water are favored for depositing eggs. These pests also will seek out animal matter, and drains may also be a source of an infestation.

The life cycle of the humpbacked fly is usually 25 days or more.