Syr"phus fly` (?). [NL. Syrphus, the generic name, fr. Gr. , , a kind of winged insect.] Zool.
Any one of numerous species of dipterous flies of the genus Syrphus and allied genera. They are usually bright-colored, with yellow bands, and hover around plants. The larvae feed upon plant lice, and are, therefore, very beneficial to agriculture.
© Webster 1913.