DIPTERA

Diptera, order Diptera

(noun) a large order of insects having a single pair of wings and sucking or piercing mouths; includes true flies and mosquitoes and gnats and crane flies

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Dip"te*ra, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. diptère.] (Zoöl.)

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition