Dictionary entry

Syrphus fly

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Syr″phus fly′ (?). [NL. Syrphus, the generic name, fr. Gr. �, �, a kind of winged insect.] (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.