diptera

‖n. pl. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_; with two wings, di- = di`s- twice + &unr_; feather, wing: cf. F. diptère. ] (Zool.) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]