| a minute European fly, Oscinella frit, the larvae of which are serious pests of wheat and other cereals. |
| frit fly n. Any of several small flies of the family Chloropidae, especially Oscinella frit, having larvae that are destructive to cereal plants such as oats and wheat. [Origin unknown.] |
frit fly
any small fly of the family Chloropidae (order Diptera), destructive to oats, rye, barley, wheat, and other cereal grains. Frit flies, often bright yellow and black, are usually found in grassy areas. The larvae live in developing grain heads and within stems, causing the central leaf to wilt. Some frit flies are carriers of conjunctivitis and yaws. They breed in decaying vegetation and excrement and feed on pus, blood, and other animal fluids. Because some frit flies (for example, Hippelates) are attracted to the eyes, they are called eye gnats.
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