diptera

Dip"te*ra, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. diptère.] (Zoöl.) Defn: An extensive order of insects having only two functional wings and two balancers, as the house fly, mosquito, etc. They have a suctorial proboscis, often including two pairs of sharp organs (mandibles and maxillæ) with which they pierce the skin of animals. They undergo a complete metamorphosis, their larvæ (called maggots) being usually without feet.

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