THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



269 



BlastopJiaga hibernates in the larval stage, may be picked in December 

 and packed in layers in boxes of clean, damp sand and kept in a place 

 where the temperature is about 55 or 60 deg. Fahr. In the spring these 

 figs are taken to the caprifigs and the Blastophaga allowed to issue when 

 the young caprifigs are ready for fertilization, which is about April. 

 At this time the proficJii crop is receptive. This crop is exceedingly rich 

 in pollen which sticks to the bodies of the females and is carried thus 

 into the Smyrna tigs. 



Distribution. — This insect is now distributed throughout the com- 

 mercial fig growing sections of the State, which are practically con- 

 fined to the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. 



PARASITE OF THE BROWN APRICOT SCALE. 



Coiiii/s fiisca Howard (Family Encyrtidae ) . 

 (Fig. 266.) 



General Appearance. — The adults of this parasite are about one 

 eighth of an inch long and rich brown throughout in color. The wings 

 are clouded with brownish markings, the bases remaining clear and 

 when folded over the back, form a silverlike spot which is very notice- 



FiG. 266. — Corny s fusca Howard, the parasite of 

 the brown apricot scale. (Original. Drawing by 

 Birdnekoff). 



able when the insects are walking. The veins are black. The tips of 

 the legs are yellowish with dark claws. 



Distribution. — One of the most common parasites occurring in all 

 parts of the State. 



Hosts. — Of all the internal parasites of scale insects this is one of 

 the most efficient and is often ciuite a controlling factor in keeping down 

 the brown apricot scale (Lecaniuni corni). The writer has also bred 

 this para'-ite from the frosted scale (Eulecanium pnmiosum) and a 

 native scale {Lecanium sp.) in Ventura County. 



