INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



371 



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Aphycus immaculatus Howard (Family Encyrtidse) 



(Fig. 369) 



Description.— This is a 

 small dark parasite, 

 slightly over 1-50 inch in 

 length. The general color 

 is dark yellowish-brown 

 with light yellow head, 

 dusky legs and antennae 

 and hyaline wings. 



Distribution.— So far as 

 known, this species occurs 

 only in the southern part 

 of the State. 



Hosts.— It is parasitic 

 upon the red scale, Chrysomphalus aurantii (Mask.). 



Fig. 369. — Aphycus immaculatus How. 

 greatly enlarged. (After Howard, U. S. Dept, 



Female, 

 Agric. ) 



THE CITRUS MEALY BUG PARASITE 



Chrysoplatycerus splendens Howard (Family Encyrtidae) 

 (Fig. 370) 



Description.— This very small parasite is but T V inch long. It is 

 easily distinguished by its iridescent black color, shiny scutellum and 

 large antenna?. The scutellum has a very noticeable tuft of bristles 



Fig. 370. — The citrus mealy bug parasite, Chrysoplatycerus splendens How. Dorsal and 

 lateral view of adults. Greatly enlarged. (Author's illustration, P. C. Jr. Rnt. ) 



at the apex. The pointed abdomen also has a tuft of bristles upon 

 each side. The apical two thirds of the fore wings are very black, 

 Avhile the basal third and the hind wings are lighter. 



Life History. — The female is rather deliberate in her actions and 

 may remain in a very small area for an hour or so, all the time busy 

 examining the host. In doing this she holds her antennas as is shown 



