298 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [Vol. 6 



is practically full grown. A study of the deserted funnels in issued 

 hosts reveals the fact that each one of the two component molt-skins 

 has a delicate, slender tul^e which penetrates the egg-stalk one within 

 the other. 



The egg-stalk as here described is strictly homologous and similar 

 to a larval structure of Schedius kuvanoe Howard, an Encrytine egg- 

 parasite of the gipsy moth from Jai3an. The function of this structure 

 has been described as respiratory, as it is thought that the larva thereby 

 obtains its supply of air from the outside world. 



The larva molts for the first time about one day after hatching, and 

 again about two days later. It is full grown in about five days or a 

 little over, and on the sixth day after hatching begins to cast its meco- 

 nium. After still another day it pupates, in all al^out ten days from 

 the deposition of the egg. 



The pupa of Microierys shows marked sexual dimorphism not only 

 in the color that is finally assumed, but also in external structure. 

 The full}^ colored male pupa is black, and the antennal sheaths are 

 bent around the sides of the head in a way suggestive of the handles 

 of an ancient or Grecian amphora. The female pupa is dark brown- 

 ish yellow in color, and the antennal sheaths are far less conspic- 

 uous, being situated more beneath the head. The pupal period lasts 

 about seven days, but the imago does not become active until a few 

 hours to a day later. The entire developmental period from egg to 

 the issuance of the imago is therefore about eighteen days at summer 

 temperature. 



Coccophagus lecanii (Fitch) 



Coccophagus lecanii is a scale parasite of generalized habits and wide 

 distribution. It is common almost everywhere in California, and 

 is a frequent parasite of Coccus hespericlum, but when associated with 

 Microterys or Aphycus it is not rarely hyperparasitic. As a primary 

 parasite it chooses small, immature scales A^dthout exception, and brings 

 about some pathological change or condition in the host, whereby 

 the hypodermal tissue of the mid-dorsal region becomes more or less 

 black-pigmented. In the case of other hosts, such as Saissetia oleoe 

 (Bern.), Lecanium corni Bouche and Physokermes insignicola (Craw) 

 the blackening of the derm may not be so apparent. Before pupating 

 the solitary larva consumes the entire tissues of the host. 



As a secondary parasite this species of Coccophagus undergoes a 

 radical change in its larval habits, and becomes an external feeder. 

 The female places its eggs upon either the full grown larva or pupa 

 of the primary parasite, which in only three or four days' time after 

 the egg hatches is entirely consumed or reduced to a shriveled mass 



