Art. XX.—Note on an Ant-like Insect (Betyla fulva, Cameron) parasitic in the New Zealand Glowworm.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 25, 1892, Page 164

Art. XX.—Note on an Ant-like Insect (Betyla fulva, Cameron) parasitic in the New Zealand Glowworm. By G. V. Hudson, F.E.S. [Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 14th September, 1892.] Plate IX. During the early part of June a young friend of mine (Mr. Albert Norris) informed me that he had found some pupæ of the New Zealand glowworm (Bolitophila luminosa), attached to some rocks in the big gully of the Botanical Gardens, Wellington, which, from their shrivelled condition, appeared to have been killed by some parasitic insect. I at once examined one of these pupæ, and found that it had been destroyed by a species of Hymenoptera, apparently nearly allied to the family Ichneumonidœ, the members of which are so well known as parasites in the larvæ of the Lepidoptera. The pupa of the parasite was imbedded in a quantity of refuse matter in the centre of the unfortunate glowworm pupa. As usual with the Hymenoptera, a single specimen only was contained in each host. On the 21st June one of the parasites appeared in the perfect condition. It was apterous, and resembled in the closest possible manner a worker ant (Family Formicidœ). On a further examination, however, I found that the insect was really referable to the family Proctotrupidœ). Amongst many other remarkable parasitic species, this family includes the genus Platygaster, the minute members of which are parasitic on the Hessian fly (Cecidomyia destructor) and other highly injurious insects belonging to the same genus. On the 23rd June another parasite emerged. This specimen was furnished with ample wings, and is consequently the male. Not being a specialist in the order Hymenoptera, I am unable to proceed further with the identification of this insect. I have therefore forwarded male and female specimens* These specimens were described by the Rev. T. A. Marshall, under the name of Tanyzonus bolitophilœ, in the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine for November, 1892. Subsequently, however, Mr. Marshall ascertained that the female insect had been previously described by Mr. Cameron in the Memoirs of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society (4th series, vol. ii., 1889), under the name of Betyla fulva. The insect must consequently be known under that name in future. to Mr. E. Saunders, of London, who will be able to speak with authority on the subject; and, should it transpire that the insect is not already known, I have asked Mr. Saunders to kindly allow me to publish his scientific description with these notes. The discovery of this parasite adds another chapter to the already remarkable life-history of the New Zealand glowworm.

Bug Parasite on the Glowworm.