Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens
Arnaud, 1951
Spiny Tachinid Fly, Hedgehog Fly
Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens is a of the spiny , a large, fly in the . 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 , with documented including 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- coloration rather than brighter reddish-orange tones. The is recognized among by its large size, build, and densely spiny . It lacks the elongated -like found in the similar Adejeania vexatrix. The abdomen is covered with long, prominent that give the species its "Hedgehog ."
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. are of ; documented include Edwards' Glassy- (Hemihyalea edwardsii), a (Erebidae: Arctiinae).
Host Associations
- Hemihyalea edwardsii - Documented ; develop inside of this
Behavior
are flower visitors, actively foraging for nectar on late-season blooms. The is a : females on or near , and develop internally, eventually killing the host.
Ecological Role
As a of , this contributes to of lepidopteran . flower-visiting may provide minor services to late-season blooming plants.
Human Relevance
as a agent of pests. are conspicuous and recognizable that contribute to in western North .
Similar Taxa
- Adejeania vexatrixSimilar large size, spiny , and flower-visiting in same region; distinguished by -like elongated , 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 -like ; similar size and spiny appearance
- Hystricia abruptaAnother common frequently mistaken for A. vexatrix; lacks distinctive