*syrphus f*

[ NL. Syrphus, the generic name, fr. Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, 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. [ 1913 Webster ]