Fungus gnat. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fungus gnat (family Sciaridae). Seen are the gnat's compound eyes, which are formed of many small lenses (ommatidia, round). Between the eyes are two antennae, sensory organs used for touch and smell. A pair of wings are present. True flies (diptera) are also characterized by having a pair of balancing organs, called halteres, located just back of the base of the wings. Halteres are used for balancing in flight. Fungus gnats are common household pests as they lay their eggs in the soil of houseplants. When hatched the larvae feed on the plants' roots. Magnification: x10 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.