Aulax papaveris. 



The plurilocular galls caused by this insect have doubtless 

 been repeatedly passed over and unsuspected for many years 

 past. The cells are so completely hidden within the seed- 

 capsule, and the capsule, relatively, is so little deformed, that it 

 is not surprising its occurrence has been noted from but few 

 localities. Yet some capsules containing larvae show signs of 

 their presence by abnormal swellings in various parts ; they are 

 also distorted in very peculiar ways. Some are constricted, 

 and appear as though a string or band had been tightly tied 

 around them when only partly developed ; others as though 

 they had been subjected to considerable pressure between 

 finger and thumb. The position of the galled and swollen 

 seeds may sometimes be located by slightly elevated and 

 rounded protuberances on the walls of the capsule. The colour 

 of the affected capsules is the same as those not attacked, and, 

 in common with them, they turn slightly brown with age. The 

 larval cells are numerous. Sixty is not an unusual number 

 in one capsule, most or all of the septa being entirely filled 

 in such examples. In shape the cells are irregular, solitary 

 examples being generally globular. Compared with their 

 diminutive size, the walls are very thick. They are adherent 

 to each other in clusters of ten or less, and are slightly attached 

 to the interior of the capsule. As the seeds ripen and turn a 

 chocolate-brown colour, the larval chambers assume the same 

 hue. The larva is apodus, cylindrical, fat, and fleshy, yellowish 

 white, two frequently inhabiting one cell. 



The illustration is of specimens gathered at Hastings by 

 the author. 



