Galls caused by the larvae of Cecidomyia galii Wtz. 

 the stalks of Galium Yerum Linn. 



PLATE 25. 

 Synonymy of Insect. 



Cecidomyia mollnginis L\v. 

 „ galii Theobald. 



Habitat of the Ladies' Bedstraw. — Very generally dis- 

 tributed throughout Britain, growing on banks and pastures, 

 preferably in a fairly dry situation. 



The G.vll is formed by an enormous accumulation of sap, 



resulting from the irritation to the tissues and the presence 



of the larvas. 

 Position. — On the stems and flower-stalks. 

 Manner of Growth.— Singly and gregarious; glabrous, glossy. 

 Colour. — Yellowish white and very pale green. 

 Average Dimensions of a Mature Specimen (globular 

 form). 



Girth, 30 mm. 

 May be sought during the months of June, July, August. 

 The Growth is complete by the end of July. 

 The Typical Condition of the gall is plurilocular. Usual 



number of cells, 6. 

 The Larv.e pupate in the ground. The imagines emerge 



during the spring. 



These galls attain an enormous size as compared with the 

 slender stems which support them, the diameter of some being 

 twelve times that of the stem. They are very conspicuous. 

 They do not occur in the Hastings district. The author is 

 indebted to the kindness of the undermentioned lady for the 

 specimens of the illustration. From her communications to him 

 it appears that she found the plant to be very local, and the 

 galled stems comparatively few in number. 



The illustration is of specimens gathered at Mundesley, 

 Norfolk, by Miss Ethel Sayer. 



