DIPTERA

‖Dip″te‐ra (?), n. pl. [[NL., fr. Gr. � with two wings, δι- = δίσ- twice + � feather, wing: cf. F. diptère.]] (Zoöl.) 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.