Crossword Genius

Flies lawman across capital (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mosquitoes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'flies' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'lawman across capital' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'capital' could be 'quito' (capital of Ecuador) and 'quito' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'moses' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mosquitoes that I've seen before include "Bearers of malaria" , "Irritating fliers" , "Malaria carriers" , "Flies" , "Carriers of disease" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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