324 



INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



THE LEMUR SYRPHID 

 Baccha lemur Oaten Sacken 



(Fig. 317) 



Description. — The adult is dark gray or nearly black, with a very 

 slender body and a large black spot near the middle of each wing. It 

 averages about ^ inch in length. 



Life History. — Practically nothing is known con- 

 cerning the life history of this insect. The writer 

 reared large numbers of adults from twigs infested 

 with the yerba-santa mealy bug, Pseudococcus yerba- 

 santce Essig, upon which the larva^ were evidently 

 feeding. 



Distribution.— The author collected large numbers 

 of this fly in Ventura County. It occurs commonly in 

 the southern part of the State, but is rare elsewhere, 

 according to W. M. Davidson. 

 i.J^if'cJil'iT^!) 6 Host.— The yerba-santa mealy bug, Pseudococcus 



It'iliul hy 1 plllU, .£> tll>- * . * , 



cha lemur o. s. yerba-sa ii I (v Essig, and other early buys are hosts <>l 



Adult, enlarged ' , • n 

 twice. (Original) 1 |ns n y. 



THE DRONE FLY 



Eristalis ienax Linnseus 



(Fig. 318) 



Description. — The adults are large yellowish-brown flies, resembling 

 very much the drones of the common honey bee. The body is dark with 

 yellowish-brown markings upon the abdomen, which is also covered with 

 short, fine, yellowish hair. The head, 

 thorax and legs are covered with 

 longer hair of the same color. The 

 wings have brown stains near the 

 middle. The length is about i inch. 

 The larva 1 are brownish, and be- 

 cause of the long anal breathing 

 segment are known as rat-tail mag- 

 gots. This long tube allows the 

 maggots to breathe while imbedded 

 in liquid filth. 



Life History.— The eggs are laid 

 about non-sanitary toilets, sewer 

 outlets and similar filthy places, 

 where the hatched larva 1 may feed 

 and develop. The adults are said to be of value because of their aid 

 in the pollenization of composite and other flowers. They are very 

 busy workers and exceedingly active on the wing. 



Distribution. — Throughout the State — a very common fly. 



Fig. 318. — The drone fly, Eristalis 

 t< nax Linn. Adult, enlarged twice. 

 (Original) 



