snipe fly

noun

1. any of various predatory dipterous flies of the family Leptidae (or Rhagionidae ), such as Rhagio scolopacea of Europe, having an elongated body and long legs

Word History and Origins

Origin of snipe fly¹

named after the snipe because its flight resembles that of the bird

Example Sentences

Yet during my last visit to Corson’s Brook Woods, I was wowed by a golden-backed snipe fly’s all-black outfit, with its lavish gold midsection and smoky wing venation.

From New York Times

Clockwise from top left: Zabulon skipper butterfly; long-legged fly; orb weaver spider, waved light fly, golden-backed snipe fly; mating craneflies.

From New York Times