Hessian fly

American  

noun

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

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Hessian fly British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of Hessian fly

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Poland says the latest round of Hessian fly experiments, completed in early April, affirmed KSU’s plan to incorporate the tough survivors of the fly onslaught into the breeding of commercial American wheat varieties.

From The Guardian

Encouraging results have been obtained with the Hessian fly and the tobacco hornworm.

From Literature

Binns' chapter on the life history of the Hessian fly stands as a piece of careful observation that might have done credit to Dr. Thomas Say himself.

From Project Gutenberg

He said that with respect to the Hessian fly, they had no apprehension, but it was the weevil they alluded to.

From Project Gutenberg

In this way the Hessian fly is doubtless kept in check in Europe, and the aphides meet with serious hindrance to their increase.

From Project Gutenberg