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Species Cryptochetum iceryae - Cottony Cushion Scale Parasite

diptera: cryptochetidae - from Alameda, California - Cryptochetum iceryae diptera: cryptochetidae - from Alameda, California - Cryptochetum iceryae cottony cushion scale parasite? - Cryptochetum iceryae - male - female Mystery fly - acalyptrate?  Maybe a chloropid? - Cryptochetum iceryae Mystery fly - acalyptrate?  Maybe a chloropid? - Cryptochetum iceryae small fly - Cryptochetum iceryae small fly - Cryptochetum iceryae small fly - Cryptochetum iceryae
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Diptera (Flies)
No Taxon ("Acalyptratae")
Superfamily Ephydroidea
Family Cryptochetidae (Scale Parasite Flies)
Genus Cryptochetum
Species iceryae (Cottony Cushion Scale Parasite)
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Lestophonus iceryae Williston 1888
Explanation of Names
Cryptochetum iceryae (Williston 1888)
Species name refers to the name of the host
Size
~2 mm
Identification
The first flagellomere is very large, with arista reduced to a tiny apical spine. The body lacks strong bristles but is densely covered in tiny hairs.
Range
Native to Australia, intentionally introduced to California(1)
Food
host: Cottony Cushion Scale, Icerya purchasi(2)
Remarks
Introduced to CA in 1888 or 1889 to control Cottony Cushion Scale; one of the most successful examples of biological control on record(1)
Internet References
Works Cited
1.Manual of Nearctic Diptera Volume 2
Varies for each chapter; edited by J.F. McAlpine, B.V. Petersen, G.E. Shewell, H.J. Teskey, J.R. Vockeroth, D.M. Wood. 1987. Research Branch Agriculture Canada.
2.Cottony Cushion Scale
3.University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program