Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens
Arnaud, 1951
Spiny Tachinid Fly, Hedgehog Fly
Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens is a of the spiny tachinid fly, a large, robust fly in the Tachinidae. It is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by darker coloration. The is known from western North America, where are active in late summer and fall, commonly visiting flowers of rabbitbrush and other late-season blooms. Like other tachinids, it parasitizes caterpillars, with documented including tiger moths in the family Erebidae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens: //ˌpær.əˌdʒiːˈeɪ.niə rʊˌtɪliˈɔɪdiːz nɪˈɡrɛsɛnz//
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Identification
The P. r. nigrescens is distinguished from the nominate subspecies P. r. rutilioides by its darker, more subdued orange-brown coloration rather than brighter reddish-orange tones. The is recognized among tachinids by its large size, robust build, and densely spiny . It lacks the elongated beak-like palps found in the similar Adejeania vexatrix. The abdomen is covered with long, prominent spines that give the species its "Hedgehog Fly."
Habitat
frequent open, dry in western North America, particularly areas with rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus/Ericameria) and other late-summer flowering plants. The occurs in forested and semi-arid regions from British Columbia and Alberta south through California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Distribution
Western North America: British Columbia and Alberta south through California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The nigrescens represents the southern of the .
Seasonality
are most commonly observed in August, September, and October; stragglers may appear in November or December. Peak activity coincides with late summer and fall blooming periods of plants.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers, particularly rabbitbrush. Larvae are of caterpillars; documented include Edwards' Glassy-wing (Hemihyalea edwardsii), a tiger moth (Erebidae: Arctiinae).
Host Associations
- Hemihyalea edwardsii - Documented ; tachinid larvae develop inside caterpillars of this tiger moth
Behavior
are flower visitors, actively foraging for nectar on late-season blooms. The is a : females deposit on or near caterpillars, and larvae develop internally, eventually killing the host.
Ecological Role
As a of caterpillars, this contributes to natural control of lepidopteran . flower-visiting may provide minor pollination services to late-season blooming plants.
Human Relevance
Beneficial as a agent of caterpillar pests. are conspicuous and recognizable insects that contribute to native biodiversity in western North American .
Similar Taxa
- Adejeania vexatrixSimilar large size, spiny , and flower-visiting in same region; distinguished by beak-like elongated palps, smaller size, brighter coloration, and earlier seasonal peak (July-August)
- Paradejeania rutilioides rutilioidesNominate ; distinguished by brighter reddish-orange coloration versus darker, more subdued tones of nigrescens
- Macromya crocataResembles A. vexatrix in forested but lacks beak-like palps; similar size and spiny appearance
- Hystricia abruptaAnother common frequently mistaken for A. vexatrix; lacks distinctive beak