syrphid

Also syr·phi·an

[sur-fid]

noun

1. syrphid fly.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Syrphidae.

syrphid

/ ˈsɜːfɪd /

noun

1. any dipterous fly of the family Syrphidae, typically having a coloration mimicking that of certain bees and wasps: includes the hover flies

Word History and Origins

Origin of syrphid¹

1890–95; < New Latin Syrphidae family name, equivalent to Syrph ( us ) a genus (< Greek sýrphos gnat) + New Latin -idae -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of syrphid¹

C19: from Greek surphos gnat

Example Sentences

Gardeners have often looked to companion plants for pest control, as well-matched partners can attract natural enemies like syrphid flies and parasitic wasps to act as biological-control agents.

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The loudly buzzing syrphid fly, often mistaken for a bee, lays its eggs on leaves of aphis-infested plants; the hatching larvae then consume immense numbers of aphids.

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Chemical sprays give only partial control and are lethal to beneficial insects such as lady beetles, syrphid flies and lacewings that feed on thrips.

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The brilliant white blooms with their hot yellow stamens emerge from the soil without competition and become beacons for impatient, flower-starved suitors like still cold-clumsy bumble bees, syrphid flies, butterflies, moths and beetles.

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They attract bumblebees, sweat bees and syrphid flies.

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