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
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)