Syrphus

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An insect belonging to the family Syrphidae, known for its mimicry of wasps and bees while serving as a pollinator
2. A member of the hoverfly group, often recognized for its brilliant coloration and beneficial role in ecosystems
3. A fly commonly found in gardens, valued for its larvae which prey on pests and its ability to pollinate flowers

Etymology: Syrphus is a genus name, and its history runs through Greek. The genus was named in the Latin-based scientific style used for animal classification, taking its form from the Greek "Surphos," a name that was in use among the ancient Greeks. Biologists borrowed that name for a group of flies whose adults hover over flowers and feed on nectar and pollen, which is why so many of their relatives are found in gardens. The name carries no meaning of its own in modern English; it works as a label, not a description. Its usefulness lies in pinning down one lineage of flies, so that an entomologist can say exactly which insects they mean. Because the adults look like wasps and bees but are harmless, the genus gets a good deal of attention from gardeners who want to know which striped insects are on their side.

Synonyms: hoverfly, flower fly, diptera