E*ris"ta*lis (?), n. [NL.] Zool.

A genus of dipterous insects whose young (called rat-tailed larvae) are remarkable for their long tapering tail, which spiracles at the tip, and for their ability to live in very impure and salt waters; -- also called drone fly.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.