122 BRITISH OAK GALLS. 
The usual number of galls on a leaf is 80-100. These 
figures are, however, greatly exceeded in seasons when 
such galls are prolific. 
_ They fall to the ground late in September, and dur- 
ing October, development continuing very gradually 
through the winter, and until the imagines emerge in 
March and April. 
They are extensively eaten by game birds. 
Neuroterus numismatis, Olivier. 
ee _ eee 
(Plate XLIX.) 
Cynips numismatis, Olivier; C. quercus-tiare, Curtis ; Newroterus 
Reaumuri, Hartig, Schenck, Marshall ; N. nuwmismatis, Mayr, Adler, 
Licht., Miller, Cameron; Spathegaster vesicatriz, Schltdl., Mayr, 
Adler, Licht. 
English name of gall.—‘ The Silk-Button Spangle Gall.” 
Position of gall.—On the under-surface of the leaf. 
Manner of growth.—Glossy, smooth, hemispherical, gregarious, 
umbilicate. 
Colours.—Golden yellow, bright ochre, golden brown. 
Average dimensions of a mature specimen. — Height, 
15mm.; girth, 9 mm. 
May be sought during the months of August to October. 
Growth is complete by the end of September. 
The typical condition of the gall is unilocular and unilarval. 
The larva pupates in the gall. The imago emerges during 
March and April. 
Parasites, Nos. 18, 89, 40, 41, 72, 76, 168. Inquiline, 
No. 142. 
Alternate sexual generation: Spathegaster vesicatrix, Schltdl. 
Mayr considers this to be “the most beautiful of 
all the lenticular galls.” 
The entire gall is covered, and also coloured by 
closely set, smooth, glossy, golden-brown adpressed 
hairs, and these impart to it a very real appearance of 
a diminutive silk-covered button. 
The galls are deciduous, falling to the ground in 
October and November, maturing during the next 
