Galls caused by the larvae of Aulax hypochoeridis Kieffer 



on 



the flower-stalks of Hypochoeris radicata Linn. 



PLATE 39. 



Synonymy of Insect. 



Aitlax hypochoeridis Kieffer. 

 „ Itypochceridis Cameron. 



Habitat of the Cat's-EAR. — This plant may sometimes be 

 found growing profusely on dry spots in disused country 

 roads, also in meadows, around the edges of fields, etc. 



The Gall is formed by the rapid and enormous multipli- 

 cation of cells in the cellular tissue causing the affected 

 part to distend. 



Position. — On the main stem, the flower-stalk, and the petioles. 



Manner of Growth. — Elongated, irregular-shaped swellings ; 

 rugose. 



Colour. — Pale green ; the same as unaffected parts. 



Average Dimensions of a Mature Specimen. 

 Length, 35 mm. ; breadth, 10 mm. ; girth, 30 mm. 



May be sought during the months of July, Augu.st, and 

 September 



The Growth is complete by the end of August. 



The Typical Condition of the gall is plurilocular Usual 

 number of cells, 12. 



The L.\RV^ pupate in the gall. The imagines emerge during 

 the spring. 



Parasite. — Etaytovta cynipsea Boh. 



It is remarkable how little the growth of the inflorescence of 

 this plant is affected, even though a gall be immediately beneath 

 it on the stem. 



The gall is also figured by Peter Cameron, " British Phyto- 

 phagous Hymenoptera " (Ray Society), vol. iv., plate 9. 

 107 



