THE NATURAL ENEMIES. 
97 
length from 1 to 
the wood so as to prevent the escape of the larvae. One of the 
thus inclosed was of an orange color, in distinction from the normal 
yellowish-white, and from it. on -March 2, an orange-colored Cecidomyid 
larva emerged. Other larva-, apparently of the same - were 
secured in May from eggs in alder twigs. From none of these, how- 
ever, were adult flies obtained. The larvae ranged ii 
1.5 millimeters. Their general character- 
istics are indicated in the accompanying 
illustration (fig. 41j. 
The fly parasite of the adult Cicada seems 
to belong to the family Tachinidae, which in- 
cludes a number of species similarly attack- 
ing grasshoppers as well as many other in- 
sects. The larva- of these flies which have 
not been carried to the adult stage, some- 
times to the number of half-dozen or more, 
will occur together in the body of a Cicada, 
which they have almost or quite completely 
eaten out. 
HEMIPTEHoC 
FlG. 41. — Cecidomyid eg^ parasite 
of the Cicada— larva much en- 
larged, with anatomical details at 
side (original). 
A few predaceous Hemiptera were found 
associated with Cicada eggs under such 
circumstances as to leave little doubt but that they were subsisting on 
them. Among these were two species of Thrips. which were found 
both in the larval and adult stages in several instances about the eggs 
on which they had been feeding. The material that has been preserved 
of these Thrips is not now in 
<^b- d<Z&? / .^""rf condition to be worked up. 
Both species are probably on- 
described. 
HYMEXOPTEROU< ENEMIES. 
C * 
The hymenopterous enemies 
of the Cicada comprise a num- 
ber of egg parasites, which 
are the more important agen- 
cies in limiting the numbers of 
the insect, and the large dig- 
ger wasp already mentioned. 
The fact that the eggs and 
the newly hatched larvae are 
orach sought after by various species of ants was early commented upon, 
Dr. Potter stating that they are constantly infested by legions o\ ants 
both before and after they are hatched. He says: •• Even the little red 
species, the most diminutive of the race, will shoulder the eggs and the 
Pio. 42. — Egg parasite, Latkro m eria cicada: d. female; 
i). abdomen of male; e, antenna of male; d, antenna of 
female— all greatly enlarged (original). 
