Scientific name

Halidaia luteicornis (Walker)

Taxonomic position

Diptera: Tachinidae: Thelairini

Diagnosis

Head with a series of 5-7 pairs of proclinate orbital setae (Fig. 1) in both sexes. Head in facial view with the eyes converging ventrally so that the facial region is narrower than frons and contracts towards the epistome (Fig. 2). Antennae exceptionally small, inserted at a level far below the middle of eyes (Fig. 1). Scutellum with three pairs of marginal setae, apical scutellar setae crossed and horizontal; subapical scutellar setae widely separated, distance betweeen their bases much greater than that between either and its corresponding basal corner of the scutellum.

Images

head Fig. 1. Head - lateral view
head - frontal Fig. 2. Head - frontal view
Halidaia luteicornis  Halidaia dorsal view Figs. 3-4. Adult - dorsal view
halidaia profile Fig. 5. Adult - lateral view

Distribution

Widely distributed in the Oriental region, including India (Karnataka; Tamil Nadu; West Bengal), Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Hosts

Parasitic on rice skipper, Pelopidas mathias (F.).

Reference

  • Crosskey, R.W. 1976. A taxonomic conspectus of the Tachinidae (Diptera) of the Oriental region. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History), Entomology, Supplement, 26: 1-357.