Patelloa pachypyga
(Aldrich & Webber, 1924)
Patelloa pachypyga is a tachinid fly and a principal larval of the forest (Malacosoma disstria) in Canada. The locates using olfactory cues, including volatiles from host and specific host plant species. It has been documented to preferentially locate hosts on aspen poplar (Populus tremuloides) compared to balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Patelloa pachypyga: /pəˈtɛloʊə ˌpækɪˈpaɪɡə/
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Habitat
Forests supporting of the forest , particularly stands containing aspen poplar (Populus tremuloides) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera).
Distribution
Canada and the United States, including Vermont.
Host Associations
- Malacosoma disstria - Principal larval ; forest
Behavior
Locates using olfactory cues from host and plant volatiles. In wind tunnel and field experiments, individuals were attracted preferentially to the forest -aspen poplar complex over the caterpillar-balsam poplar complex.
Ecological Role
of the forest , contributing to natural of this forest pest .
Similar Taxa
- Leschenaultia exulAlso a principal larval of the forest in the same region; distinguished by differential response to plant volatiles in behavioral studies.
More Details
Original Description
Originally described as Phorocera pachypyga by Aldrich & Webber in 1924.