Hessian fly

Hessian fly

n.

A small fly (Mayetiola destructor) having larvae that infest and destroy wheat and other grain plants.

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Hessian fly

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) a small dipterous fly, Mayetiola destructor, whose larvae damage wheat, barley, and rye: family Cecidomyidae (gall midges)

[so called because it was thought to have been introduced into America by Hessian soldiers]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Hessian fly - small fly whose larvae damage wheat and other grains Mayetiola destructor gall gnat, gall midge, gallfly - fragile mosquito-like flies that produce galls on plants genus Mayetiola, Mayetiola - a genus of Cecidomyidae