kangaroo-fly

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


a small Australian fly, Cabarus. See quotations.

1833. C. Sturt, `Southern Australia,' vol. I. c. ii. p. 71:

«Our camp was infested by the kangaroo-fly, which settled uponus in thousands.»

1865. Rev. J. E. Tenison-Woods, `History of the Discoveryand Exploration of Australia,' vol. i. p. 313 [Note]:

«Rather smaller than the house-fly, it acts with such celeritythat it has no sooner settled on the face or hands than itinflicts instantaneously a painful wound, which often bleedssubsequently. It is called by the colonists the kangaroo-fly;and though not very common, the author can testify that it isone of the most annoying pests of Australia.»

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