What do non-biting Gnats typically feed on?

Non-biting gnats typically feed on organic matter in damp soil, making it the correct answer. These insects, which include species such as fungus gnats and fruit flies, thrive in moist environments where decaying organic material is abundant. The larvae of non-biting gnats often feed on algae, fungi, and decomposing plant matter found in these damp conditions. This diet allows them to play an important role in the decomposition process and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.

While blood from mammals is a food source for biting insects like mosquitoes, non-biting gnats do not engage in blood-feeding behaviors. Similarly, although some insects may utilize animal manure as a food source, non-biting gnats are not limited to that diet and prefer a broader range of organic materials, of which manure is just a part. Lastly, dry vegetation does not provide the necessary moisture or rich organic content that non-biting gnats require for their larval development and feeding. Therefore, the association with damp soil and organic matter clearly underlines why option B is the correct choice.