ichneumon fly

American  

[ik-noo-muhn-flahy, ‐-nyoo‐] / ɪkˈnu mənˌflaɪ, ‐ˈnyu‐ /

Or ichneumonfly

noun

1. any of numerous wasplike insects of the family Ichneumonidae, the larvae of which are parasitic on caterpillars and immature stages of other insects.

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ichneumon fly British  

noun

1. any hymenopterous insect of the family Ichneumonidae, whose larvae are parasitic in caterpillars and other insect larvae

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Etymology

Origin of ichneumon fly

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

When he had finished his entry, she said: "You have not mentioned my coming to you, and how we looked for ichneumon flies together."

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, yes; along comes the ichneumon fly and by a skillful blow on the spine paralyzes him and then thrusts under his skin an egg to be warmed into life by its departing heat.

From Project Gutenberg

The numerous small worm-like creatures often found are the caterpillar stages of another insect, an ichneumon fly, which laid its eggs under the skin of the tussock caterpillar.

From Project Gutenberg

The larv� thus imprisoned have the full benefit of fresh air and light, and are also free from the attacks of ichneumon flies.

From Project Gutenberg

Next year there will come up new ichneumon flies to sting fresh caterpillars and repeat the entire process.

From Project Gutenberg