Aulax hypochoeridis. 



These galls are among those which do not force themselves 

 upon the notice of the gallist, and probably until one knows 

 that the plant is attacked, they are often passed by. The 

 swelling is exactly the same colour as that of the unswollen 

 portion of the plant, and generally occurs low down the stem 

 near the ground, so that it is somewhat hidden among the other 

 stalks springing from the same root. They vary much in size. 

 Seldom occupying less than 15 mm. of the length of the stem 

 and 12 mm. in girth, they attain 85 mm. in length and 45 mm. 

 at greatest girth. The surface is furrowed longitudinally, the 

 ridges of which are continuations of those on the other portions 

 of the stem. The swelling takes place in the pith, in which is 

 embedded from five to fifty larval chambers. It is very succulent, 

 and quickly shrivels when deprived of moisture. Until ap- 

 proaching maturity the larval chambers are not apparent, and 

 many large galls, which to all appearances arc well stocked witli 

 larvae or pupae, may be cut open, and they will not be discovered 

 until the pith is subjected to magnification. 



It appears to be very local in its habitat, but at times con- 

 siderable numbers are found on spots where the spread of 

 Hypochivris radicaia has not been interrupted. One such place 

 in a seldom used road through a wood near Hastings has 

 yielded them plentifully for several years in succession, and 

 apparently the plants will remain undisturbed for a long while 

 to come. 



The illustration is of specimens gathered at Hastings by the 

 author. 



