Common Meanings
1
líng蛉
A sandfly (白蛉子), a small flying insect, smaller than a mosquito, that feeds on the blood of humans and animals and can transmit diseases like kala-azar (leishmaniasis).
夏天在户外，要小心白蛉子的叮咬，它们可能传播疾病。
In summer, when outdoors, be careful of sandfly bites, as they might transmit diseases.
Líng, as part of the compound "mínglíng" (螟蛉), refers to the larva of certain insects, such as parasitic wasps. It is famously used metaphorically to refer to an adopted son, stemming from an ancient belief that mantises or similar insects would adopt the larvae of other species.
这个孩子虽是螟蛉之子，却备受家人疼爱。
Though this child is an adopted son, he is deeply cherished by his family.