330 



INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OP CALIFORNIA. 



of the host with a sharp ovipositor and introduce a larva already 

 hatched. While these are believed to be the principal ways by which 

 the larva' gain access to the interior of the host, several other methods 

 have been noted. 



THE SPINY TACHINA FLY 



Paradejeania rutiUoides Jaennicke 



(Fig. 324) 



Description. — The adult of this species is large, measuring nearly 

 I inch in length. The abdomen is especially large and covered with 

 long black hairs. The face is black with a silvery luster; eyes, dark 

 brown; antennae, black; thorax, black with yellow margin and scutel- 

 1 um ; basal half of the abdomen, yellow with a longitudinal median 

 line and the apical half black; wings, dusky throughout with yellow- 

 base; legs, black. 



Distribution. — This species occurs throughout the central and 

 southern parts of the State. 



Hosts. — Caterpillars of various species are the hosts. How the larva' 

 enter the host is unknown. 



Fig. 324. — The spiny tachina fly, Parade- 

 jeania rutiUoides Jten. Adult female, en- 

 larged twice. (Author's illustration, Mo. 

 Bui. Cal. Hort. Com.) 



Fig. 325. — The robust tachina 

 fly, Peleteria robusta Wied. Adult 

 female, enlarged twice. (Author's 

 illustration, Mo. Bui. Cal. Hort. 

 Com.) 



THE ROBUST TACHINA FLY 

 Peleteria robusta Wiedemann 



(Fig. 325) 



Description. — The adults are about \ inch long. The face is white; 

 antenna', brown and black : eyes, brown; thorax, metallic black and dull 

 grayish along the sides; the abdomen, brick-red or yellowish with black 

 dorsal and median longitudinal stripe. 



Distribution. — The robust tachina riy is common throughout the 

 entire State, having been reported from Lake, Santa Cruz, Calaveras, 

 Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. 



Hosts.— This species works upon the larvae and pupae of the tussock 

 moth (Hemerocampa vetusta Boisd.) and other moths. Nothing, how- 

 ever, is known about the habits of egg-laying and the entrance of the 

 larvae into the host. 



