70 BRITISH OAK GALLS. 



Andricus solitarius, Mayr. 

 (Plate XY.) 



BiploJepis soJitarins, Foiisc. ; Cynips ferrvginea , Hartig, Sclienck ; 

 Aphilothrix solitaria, Fonsc, Mayr, Fitch; Andricns solitariiis, 

 Cameron, Mosley. 



English names of gall. — " The Hairy Spiudle Gall," " The 

 Eed-haired Bud-gall/' 



Position of gall. — Develops from a terminal or axillary hnd. 



Manner of growth. — Solitary, pubescent, spindle shape. 



Colours. — Green, yellowish-brown, l)rowu, reddish-l)ro"v\u. 



Average dimensions of a mature specimen. — Height, 

 10 mm. ; breadth, 4 mm. ; girth, 12 mm. 



May be sought during the months of June to September. 



Growth is complete i>y the end of August. 



The typical condition of the gall is luiilocular and unilarval. 



The larva pupates in the gall. The imago emerges during 

 Septemlier. 



Parasites, Nos. 38, 46, 66. Inquilines, Nos. 130, 136, 145. 



Cameron appears to have been the first to describe 

 this gall for Britain. He found specimens in Cadder 

 Wood, near Glasgow. In the years 1873-5 it was 

 also found in Nottinghamshire by Mr. Gr. B. Rothera 

 and Dr. Ransom. 



It is now distributed with moderate frequency all 

 over the country, growing more generally on bushes 

 in woods than on branches and twigs of trees. In 

 some localities it is al)undant, in others seldom or 

 never seen. 



The specimen in the inset of Plate XV is unusual in 

 having a small mamelon on its surface. The ]3er- 

 sistent leaf-scales, characteristic of this species, at the 

 base of the gall are also easily noticeable. 



This species is of remarkable appearance and vari- 

 able in form, situated indiscriminately in terminal 

 and axillary positions. Easily recognised by being 

 profusely covered with glossy and soft hairs of a 

 ferruginous colour, which are longer and denser at 

 the apex of the gall than elsewhere. When maturity is 



