syrphid fly

1 of 2

noun (1)

syr·​phid fly ˈsər-fəd- 

ˈsir-

: hoverfly

syrphus fly

2 of 2

noun (2)

syr·​phus fly

ˈsərfəs-

variants or syrphid fly

: any of numerous active day-flying flies that constitute the family Syrphidae, frequent flowers and feed on nectar, vary greatly in form and coloration but generally have a spurious longitudinal vein near the middle of each wing, often mimic bees or wasps and have the abdomen banded with yellow, and produce larvae which feed on decaying organic matter or are predaceous on plant lice

called also flowerfly

compare hover fly , rat-tailed larva

Examples of syrphid fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Late spring, after threat of frost has passed Dill is a fabulous garden plant, providing flavorful foliage and seeds for kitchen use, as well as vibrant blooms beloved by predatory wasps, lacewings, and syrphid flies. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

Lady beetles, lacewings, earthworms, syrphid flies, butterflies and birds inhabit earth-friendly gardens and play a vital role in natural pest management. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

New Latin Syrphidae, from Syrphus, genus of flies, from Greek syrphos gnat

Noun (2)

syrphus from New Latin Syrphus genus of dipterous flies, from Greek syrphos gnat

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for syrphid fly

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi