Pronunciation: [fˈʌŋɡəs nˈat] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the two-word compound "fungus gnat" is [ˈfʌŋɡəs næt]. The first word, "fungus," is spelled with a "g" because it comes from the Latin word "fungus," which means "mushroom." Meanwhile, "gnat" comes from the Old English word "gnæt," which is where the silent "g" comes from. Together, the term refers to a small flying insect that is often found in damp soil or in areas where fungal growth is present.
A fungus gnat is a small insect belonging to the family Sciaridae within the order Diptera. This group comprises numerous species that are commonly found in moist environments, such as gardens, greenhouses, and indoor potted plants. Fungus gnats are often associated with fungus-infested soil or decaying organic matter, as their larvae primarily feed on fungi and rotting plant material.
Fungus gnats typically have slender bodies measuring about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length. They are usually gray or black in color and possess long legs and delicate wings. Despite their small size, these insects can be quite bothersome, as they are attracted to carbon dioxide and light sources, which often leads them to hover around humans or other warm-blooded animals.
The life cycle of a fungus gnat comprises four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Upon hatching, the larvae start feeding on fungi, organic matter, or plant roots, depending on the species. The duration of the larval stage can vary, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once fully developed, the larvae pupate and eventually transform into adult fungus gnats.
While fungus gnats do not pose any significant threats to humans, they can cause damage to plants by impairing their growth and overall health. Moreover, their presence can be aesthetically displeasing and cause annoyance. Therefore, various preventive measures and control methods can be implemented, such as maintaining proper soil moisture, avoiding overwatering, using sticky traps, and employing natural predators or insecticides specifically designed to target fungus gnats.
The term "fungus gnat" is a compound word that combines "fungus" and "gnat", each with its own etymology.
The word "fungus" originates from Latin, where it is the neuter form of "fungus" meaning "mushroom". The English word "fungus" dates back to the 16th century and refers to a group of primitive organisms that include molds, yeasts, and mushrooms.
On the other hand, the word "gnat" comes from the Old English word "gnæt" and is closely related to the Dutch word "gnet", meaning "mosquito" or "gnat". This term was used in old Germanic languages to refer to various small flying insects.
When these two words are combined to form "fungus gnat", it describes a small flying insect that is associated with fungi.
