ASTEBOLECANIUM VARIOLOSUM. 159 



of the test; there is also, very frequently, a central 

 depression opposite the region of the rostrum. The 

 external swelling is usually prominent, and either 

 approximately circular or elongate. 



Diameter of circular swelling, 1-2 '50 mm. ; length 

 of elongated swellings, 1*50-5 mm. 



The puparium of the male is described by Signoret 

 as long oval, of a clear, brilliant yellow, with a weak 

 median carina, having a marginal fringe similar to that 

 of the female. 



Long, 1 mm. 



The male, also described by Signoret, is brownish- 

 yellow upon the head and thorax, and of a clearer 

 yellow upon the abdomen ; eyes, antennae, legs, and 

 apodema black. 



Long, 0*35 mm. 



Habitat. Confined exclusively to the oak (Qucrcus 

 robur). It is abundant in many parts of Cheshire, 

 and I have met with it sparingly in suitable localities 

 in Flintshire and Denbighshire ; at Ledbury, Here- 

 fordshire ; in various parts of the Cotswolds, Grlouces- 

 tershire ; * St. Albans, King's Langley, and Tring, 

 Herts ; Briston, Barningham Parva, Blickling, Ayl- 

 sham, and Tatterford, in Norfolk ; Chislehurst, 

 Orpington, Farnborough, and Bearsted (Green), in 

 Kent. Mr. T. R. Hodges finds it common in the 

 neighbourhood of Stratford-on-Avon. 



Habits. The eggs are laid in spring, and the 

 secretionary covering of the second-stage female 

 (PI. LXI, fig. 14) is completed early in May. At 

 this period the formation of the characteristic gall-pit 

 with the accompanying swelling (PI. D, Vol. I, fig. 2) 

 is commenced, and it is completed towards the end 

 of September. In cases where the larvae fix them- 

 selves on the hard wood of the previous year they are 

 unable to produce the characteristic gall-pits, or to 

 cause the surrounding tissues to swell. 



The fondness of birds (Paridas) for this interesting 



* Mr. C. J. Watkins informs me that it is common on stunted oaks at Stroud. 



