PARASITES HIBERNATING IN BROWN-TAIL WEBS. 



263 



Compsilura concinnata Meig. Hibernating larvae are occasionally 

 f^und, but apparently do not complete their transformations in the 

 spring. 



Mesochorus pallipes Brischke. Occasionally reared as a parasite 

 of Apanteles lacteicolor. The Apanteles larva reaches full maturity and 

 spins its cocoon, but is overcome before pupating. The Mesochorus 

 adult issues from the cocoon a very few days later than would the 

 Apanteles had it remained alive. 



Entedon albitarsis Ashm. An internal parasite within the larvae of 

 Pteromalus egregius. 



The appearance of the hibernating larvae of the Pteromalus is indi- 



Fig. 60. — Portion of brown-tail moth nests, torn open, showing caterpillars 

 attacked by larvae of Pteromalus egregius. Enlarged. (Original.) 



cated fairly well in the accompanying illustration (fi.g. 60), which 

 represents a ' ' pocket ' ' of parasitized caterpillars torn open. Very little 

 of interest is associated with the life and feeding habits of these larvae. 

 The female pierces the host caterpillar with her ovipositor preliminary 

 to the deposition of her egg externally, 

 and the caterpillar thus stung is fre- 

 quently rendered quiescent, and may 

 even die before the hatching of the para- 

 site larvae. 



The hibernating larva of Apanteles is 

 so small as to be very difficult of detec- 

 tion until after it has resumed activity 

 in the spring and increased in size. Its 

 exact appearance during the hibernating stage can not be de- 

 scribed, because nearly every specimen found has been injured 

 more or less in the removal. The accompanying illustration 

 (fig. 61) is from a sketch made by Mr. Timberlake of a half-grown 

 larva from life. None of the preserved specimens shows the curious 

 projection beneath the anal bladderlike appendage which latter is 

 characteristic of the early stage larvae of the subfamily to which 

 Apanteles belongs. The head and mouthparts are strikingly dis- 



FlG 



-Apanteles lacteicolor: Imma 

 ture larva from hibernating caterpillar 

 of the brown-tail moth. Much en- 

 larged. (Original.) 



