Galls caused by Eriophyes ajugae Nalepa 



on 



the radical leaves of Ajuga reptans Linn. 



PLATE 45. 



These leaves grew from the same scions as the galled flower- 

 spikes illustrated on plate 118. The mites establish themselves 

 on the upper surface of the radical leaves and cause the edges 

 to curl upwards and slightly inwards, forming a somewhat 

 irregular-shaped pod, within which may be one or two smaller 

 leaves. At first no change of colour takes place on the exterior 

 of the leaf; but ultimately it becomes suffused with purple and 

 is somewhat swollen. Meanwhile, the interior, or upper surface, 

 is, as a result of the action of the mites, becoming coated with 

 a thick layer of short hairs, which at first are a yellowish colour, 

 afterwards becoming paler and almost white. The exterior 

 remains glabrous and glossy. A few of the scions should be 

 placed in water in a shallow dish for the purpose of observa- 

 tions. The plant will live a long while. See also p. 270. 



The illustration is of specimens gathered at Hastings by the 

 author. 



