syrphus fly Meaning, Definition & Usage

Syr"phus fly`

Etymology

NL. Syrphus, the generic name, fr. Gr. , , a kind of winged insect.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of dipterous flies of the genus Syrphus and allied genera. They are usually bright-colored, with yellow bands, and hover around plants. The larvæ feed upon plant lice, and are, therefore, very beneficial to agriculture.