114 



[NJUftlOUS \NH BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



masses are somewhat globular in shape, averaging from | to | inch 

 i„ diameter and aearly the same in height, though many are quite 

 flattened. There are no distinct 

 markings, but often a transverse 

 median depression is slightly 

 lighter in color. 



Distribution. — The distribution 

 of this pest is limited to the 

 mountainous districts of the 

 southern part of the State. 



Food Plants.— Various species 

 of oak trees are attacked, includ- 

 ing the coast live oak. {Que re us 

 agrifolia), Q. oblongifolia and Q. 

 undulata wrightii. 



BRANIGAN'S KERMES 



Kt nncs branigani King 



(Fig. 93) 



Description.— The fully-devel- 

 oped females are nearly globu- 

 lar, being about T 3 « inch long 

 and £ inch wide. The color 

 varies from light cream to yel- 

 low with four rather wide brown 

 transverse bands. The segmenta- Fig. 92. — The cak cerococcus, cerococcus 

 tion is quite" distinct, each suture KeTtvSc^^brigin^f * Uve ° ak ' En " 

 being marked by numerous small 



black spots. The surface is shiny and thickly covered with very fine 

 black specks, which are difficult to see without the aid of a hand lens. 



The species closely re- 

 sembles Kermes essigii 

 King, but is never gib- 

 bose. 



Distribution.— So far 

 this species has been 

 taken at Forest Hill. 

 Placer County, and 

 near Redding. Shasta 

 County, the latter hav- 

 ing been but recently 

 collected by Mr. Leroy 

 Childs. 



Food Plant. -The 

 smaller branches, espe- 

 cially those in the shady 

 portions of the tree, of 

 the maul oak (Quercus 



F*lg. 93. — Branigan's Kermes, Kermes branigani ehvysolcpis) are a t - 

 King, "ii maul oak. Enlarged twice. (After King. + i j 

 by author. P. C. Jr. Ent. and Zool.) TaCKed. 



