92 BjRlTlSH OAK GALLS. 



The larva pupates in the gall The imago emerges during the 

 second spring. 



Parasites, Nos. 44, 103, 149, 152, 161, 175, 178. Inquiline, 

 Wo. 131. 



Alternate sexual generation : Andricns nochiU, Hartig. 



This gall Avas observed in Britain by Sir T. Browne, 

 M.D., in 1668 (see Introduction). 



In the year 1870 it was brought l^efore the 

 notice of entomologists by A. ]\Iiiller, who reared some 

 imao'ines. 



It is so distinctive in situation, texture and colora- 

 tion that once having been seen there is no difficulty 

 in recognising it in any of its various forms, and of 

 distinguishing it from the other root gall, Binvhiza 

 altera. 



The typical situation for this gall is on the largest 

 roots of old oak trees where they branch oft' from the 

 base of the trunk, and partly, or entirely, concealed 

 by loose earth, leaves or moss. It is found also at 

 a depth of about six inches l^elow the ground, and 

 it occurs on the trunk of the tree, rarely, however, 

 at a greater height than two feet from the ground level, 

 and still more rarelv on a small Iiranch siirino-ino- from 



t _ loo 



the base of the trunk, as shown in Plate XXX, div. A. 

 Of many dozens of specimens I have seen two oyAj 

 have occurred in such an uncommon situation. The 

 most certain place, perhaps, to find this gall, is a hedge 

 l)ank where a stub-oak forms part of the hedge, 

 and its roots (here and there exposed) are old 

 and extensive. The alternate generation is sure to be 

 near by. 



The form of the gall is exceedingly varia])le. It is 

 difficult to define a typical figure. 



AVhen formed below ground the shape depends 

 upon the density of the surrounding earth, and it may 

 be flat, ovoid, pyriform, glolntlar, or as indicated aliove ; 

 and sessile or attached l)y a stout peduncle. Moreover 

 it does not appear to attain so great proportions as 



