March fly

American  

noun

1. any of several flies of the family Bibionidae that appear during spring and early summer.

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Etymology

Origin of March fly

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

Known as “lovebugs,” or Plecia longiforceps, this species of invasive march fly is the talk of South Korea’s capital, annoying the public and flummoxing government officials, who are trying to keep these “uninvited summer guests” — as they have been called by the media — at bay.

From Los Angeles Times

A March fly rests on one the stem of a lowbush blueberry.

From New York Times

One day, after a protracted relapse, as I was creeping feebly along Broadway, sunning myself, like a March fly on a window-pane, whom should I meet but St. Leger, my friend.

From Project Gutenberg

Where the grass was comparatively sparse a little lizard, upon whose bronze head the sunlight glistened, sighted on a chip a lumbering "March" fly dreaming of blood, and with a dash that almost eluded observation seized and shook it.

From Project Gutenberg

He preys upon the lustrous bluish-green fly, which draws blood almost on the moment of alighting, and also on the sluggish "march" fly, which goes about the business of blood-sucking in a lazy, dreamy, lackadaisical style; and I am inclined to acknowledge him as a friend and as a blessing to humanity generally.

From Project Gutenberg