San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association a California 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation

HIKES AND NATURE WALKS IN THE SAN GABRIELS Walks on the Wild Side, Fall-Winter, 2008-9 November 5, 2008 West Fork of the San Gabriel River Narrowleaf Milkweed and Associates Section 3. Insects that feed on the insects that feed on the milkweed Spiny Tachina Fly, Paradejeania rutilioides on California buckwheat. Photo by Karen. BugBob, Bob Allen, has identified this one for us. "It's a Tachinid fly, almost certainly Paradejeania rutilioides." The tachinid fly is an insect parasite. The larva feed internally on the caterpillar or body of the host insect which is, in most cases, an agricultural pest like the cabbage looper. More information: Natural Enemies Gallery Tachinid flies Tachinid Fly (Lespesia archippivora) Parasitism of Monarch Butterfly Larvae (Danaus plexippus)2006-2007 Convergent lady beetle aka "Ladybug" with dead milkweed flowers. Photo by Graham. It's the two dashes on the thorax identify this beetle as the convergent lady bug. The number of spots is variable. It lays eggs on the milkweed plant. When the eggs hatch the larva eat the aphids. More information: Convergent lady beetle Narrowleaf Milkweed and Associates Introduction Section 1. The Plant Asclepias fascicularis, narrowleaf milkweed Section 2. Insects that feed directly on the milkweed plant Section 3. Insects that feed on the insects that feed on the milkweed Section 4. Other insects we saw "I do not seek. I find." -- Pablo Picasso created November 7, 2008 Back to Index Page The mission of the San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association is to provide support for environmental education, interpretive and heritage programs on the Angeles National Forest. For how you can help, please call the USFS Mt Baldy Visitor Center at 909 982 2829. In partnership with USDA Forest Service