lydella

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A genus of tachina-flies, of the family Tachinidæ, founded by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. L. doryphoræ, the only American species, has been placed in the genus Exorista. It is parasitic upon the Colorado potato-beetle, and is probably more effectual than any other insect in checking this pest in Missouri. It resembles the common house-fly, but is distinguished by its brilliant silvery-white face. Riley, 1st Rep. Ins. Mo., p.111.