Hessian fly

noun

1. a small fly, Phytophaga destructor, the larvae of which feed on the stems of wheat and other grasses.

Hessian fly

noun

1. a small dipterous fly, Mayetiola destructor, whose larvae damage wheat, barley, and rye: family Cecidomyidae (gall midges)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hessian fly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hessian fly¹

C18: so called because it was thought to have been introduced into America by Hessian soldiers

Example Sentences

The larvæ are transparent; the flies resemble the Hessian-fly, that destroys the wheat plant.

From Project Gutenberg

The Wheat-midge (Cecidomyia tritici), also called the Hessian-fly, is sometimes very destructive to the wheat crop.

From Project Gutenberg