114 



BRITISH OAK GALLS. 



Parasites, Nos. 12, 25, 28, U. 119, 125, 151. 180. Inquiiines, 

 Nos. 128, 134. 



Alternate sexual generation : Spathegaster similis, Adler. 



A very attractive and pretty gall, retaining its 

 singnlar outline and mncli of its delicate coloration, 

 as a dry specimen in the cabinet. 



When inhabited by inquiiines the structure seldom 

 attains the normal dimensions. If gathered before 

 maturity it shrivels, and the papilla?, whether solitary 

 or in ridges, stand out prominently. 



Xo doubt need be entertained as to the identity of 

 this gall. It is unlike any other form, from its earliest 

 growth, to maturity. The most noticeable feature 



Fig. 13. — Sectional asj^ects of gall caused by Dryophanta longiventris. 

 A. Cross section, b. Longitudinal section, c. Transverse section. 

 All X 2. Dele, ad nat. E.G. 



is the number of pale-coloured papillae scattered all 

 over its surface, which frequently coalesce and form 

 ridges extending from side to side, and also in concen- 

 tric and circular outlines. The depressed portions of 

 the gall are pink and red ; colours which are 

 accentuated by the pale yellow of the papillae, and 

 which do not entirely disappear even when the gall is 

 past maturit}^ 



The shape is globulose, but flattened at the base ; 

 the basal portion being transversely indented hy the 

 rib of the leaf. It is firmly attached to the rib by 

 a small projection of its own growth. Development is 

 arrested when tenanted by parasites or inquiiines and 

 the size remains small, but under normal conditions 

 it may be 8 mm. high, and 10 mm. in diameter. 



If a number of the galls be gathered late in Sep- 



