THE NEW MEXICO RANGE CATERPILLAR. 

 Tachina mella Walk. 



80 



Between July 17 and the middle of August, 1909, many Hemileuca larvae were 

 found to be infested by the eggs of a dipterous parasite. These eggs were never de- 

 posited on the smaller forms of these larvae, but always on those nearly full grown. 



Fig. 48. — Chalcis ovata: a, Pupa; b, parasitized pupa of tussock moth (Hemerocampaleucostigma); c, adult; 

 d, same, in profile; e, pupal exuvium. Enlarged. (From Howard.) 



They were, in nearly every instance, deposited on the sole of the prop-foot, within the 

 crescent of hooklets with which these feet are armed, a few eggs being found attached 

 laterally to the thorax. 



Fig. 49. — Pirnplasanguinipes: Adult. Enlarged. (Original.) 



A large number of these infested larvae were placed in confinement, and the adult 

 fly secured. The species has been determined by Mr. D. W. Coquillett as Tachina 

 meZZa Walk. (See fig. 51.) 



These flies seemed to be well distributed over the range, but in very small numbers, 

 judging from the scarcity of the eggs that were found. 



