in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of diptera. The rostrum is long, bristly, and bivalved; the bristles being fixed between the horizontal valves. There are five species, viz. 1. The major, with black wings. 2. The medius, with a yellowish body, white behind, and the wings spotted with yellow. 3. The minor, with unspotted wings. 4. The ater, has red wings, but a little blackish at the base; and green feet. The above four are natives of Europe. 5. The capensis, with the wings spotted with black, an ash-coloured body, and white behind. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope.