hornet fly
The term "hornet fly" describes flies that mimic hornets or wasps to deter predators, belonging to different families with distinct behaviors.
Definition
C1Entomology
(technical)A type of hoverfly from the genus Spilomyia, resembling hornets in appearance, known for pollinating flowers and sometimes preying on pests.
Example
- The hornet fly hovers near the garden, mimicking the appearance of a hornet to avoid predators.
C2Entomology
(technical, archaic)A member of the Asilidae family, also known as robber flies, that preys on other insects and resembles hornets to protect itself.
Example
- The hornet fly captured a beetle mid-air, showcasing its predatory skills.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hornet fly":
hornets' nestdeer flystable flyvinegar flyhoney buzzardbumblebee mothyellow jacketforest flysolitary waspmosquito hawkcatch fliescicada killerbee mothdance flysocial waspfly uponhoney-pot antfruit flywarrior waspbee stinghorned vipermason waspflower moth