Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of lacewing fly: "stink fly" refers to a specific insect belonging to the lacewing family, characterized by a pale green color.
   • Characterized by an unpleasant odor: This insect is notably named for the foul smell it emits as a defense mechanism.
   • Has carnivorous larvae: The immature stage (larvae) of this insect preys on other small insects.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The gardener identified the stink fly on the rose bush. (The gardener identified the stink fly on the rose bush.)
  • Despite its beneficial larvae, the adult stink fly is disliked for its smell. (Despite its beneficial larvae, the adult stink fly is disliked for its smell.)

Advanced Usage

• In biological control contexts: The term may be used when discussing natural pest management, due to its larvae's carnivorous nature.
  • The stink fly is sometimes introduced to gardens as a form of biological control. (The stink fly is sometimes introduced to gardens as a form of biological control.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lacewing (n): The common name for the family of insects to which the stink fly belongs.
  • Green lacewings are common in many gardens. (Green lacewings are common in many gardens.)
• Aphid lion (n): A colloquial name for the carnivorous larvae of lacewings, including those of the stink fly.
  • The aphid lion is a voracious eater of garden pests. (The aphid lion is a voracious eater of garden pests.)

Synonyms

• Green lacewing (in a broader, more general sense, though not all green lacewings are specifically "stink flies").
• Stinkfly (n): A common alternative spelling as a single word.

Notes

• This is a compound noun. The hyphenated form "stink-fly" is also occasionally seen, but "stink fly" (as two words) is the form used in the provided definition.
• The name is descriptive, directly referencing the insect's most notable characteristic: its odor.

Noun

1. pale green unpleasant-smelling lacewing fly having carnivorous larvae