petroleum fly
insect
Also known as: Helaeomyia petrolei
Quick Summary
The petroleum fly (Psilopa petrolei) is a type of ephydrid fly that breeds in pools of waste petroleum. This insect is notable for its unique habitat, developing in environments contaminated with petroleum products. Unlike fungus gnats, which are small, mosquito-like flies whose larvae feed on fungi and can be pests in indoor plants or mushroom beds, the petroleum fly's life cycle is tied to oil waste. Petroleum itself is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons found in liquid, gaseous, or solid forms, commonly known as crude oil.123
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