Non-biting gnat populations occur near water, including wet soils, and are usually active in the summer. However, they can occur during any time of year in moist coastal regions. Male gnats swarm at dusk. Mating occurs as soon as the females enter the swarm. The females lay eggs en masse over water or attached to aquatic vegetation. These eggs hatch over a period of several days with the young larvae dropping to the bottom and building tubelike structures of debris. Larvae are small worm-like creatures that feed on organic material. The larvae stage continues for about a month after which the species pupate for a few days. Before emerging, the pupa rises to the surface of the water, serving as a nutritious food for fish. The pupal stage culminates in the metamorphosis of larvae into winged adults, which usually last less than seven days. Adults live for about another week and a half during which they produce up to 300 eggs. One female gnat can lay up to 1,000 eggs during its lifetime.
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