syrphid fly

noun

syr·​phid fly ˈsər-fəd- How to pronounce syrphid fly (audio)
ˈsir-

Examples of syrphid fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The larvae of syrphid flies, also called flower or hover flies, feed on soft-bodied insects like aphids, white flies, and small caterpillars, as well as insect eggs. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2024 Late spring, after threat of frost has passed Dill is a fabulous garden plant, providing flavorful foliage and seeds for kitchen use, as well as vibrant blooms beloved by predatory wasps, lacewings, and syrphid flies. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2024 Flower flies, also known as syrphid flies, are one group using such mimicry. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2023 This pest has insufficient enemies in the garden, although minute pirate bugs and the larvae of the lacewing and syrphid fly are predators. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2022 The insect to me looks like a syrphid fly larvae that is eating aphids. oregonlive, 11 June 2022 Minute pirate bugs and the larvae of the lacewing and syrphid fly do attack them, but in our gardens right now, chilli thrips are pests without sufficient enemies. San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2021 Also look for evidence of natural enemies, such as lady beetles, lacewings and syrphid fly larvae. Debbie Arrington, sacbee, 22 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Syrphidae, from Syrphus, genus of flies, from Greek syrphos gnat

First Known Use

circa 1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of syrphid fly was circa 1891

Dictionary Entries Near syrphid fly

Cite this Entry

“Syrphid fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syrphid%20fly. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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