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
Fig. 1. Head - lateral view
Fig. 2. Head - frontal view
Figs. 3-4. Adult - dorsal view
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.
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