1. flies of the family Syrphidae, also known as hover flies or flower flies, characterized by their ability to hover in place and their beneficial role as pollinators and pest controllers
Usage: entomology; plural form

Examples

• The garden was full of syrphids hovering over the marigolds.
• Syrphids are important pollinators for many flowering plants.
• The larvae of many syrphids feed on aphids, making them valuable for pest control.
• Researchers studied the migration patterns of syrphids across North America.
• The bright yellow and black stripes of syrphids mimic those of wasps and bees.
• Farmers encourage syrphids in their fields as natural biological control agents.