Gall Maker Research Articles

On the simple leaf galls ofCasearia tomentosa Roxb., (Samydaceae) induced byGynaikothrips flaviantennatus Moulton (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

Observations on the leaf galls ofCasearia tomentosa Roxb., induced byGynaikothrips flaviantennatus Moulton have shown that the form of the gall is controlled by the developmental stage of the leaf and the impact of the gall maker(s) in terms of population. Population trends of gall maker, predator and inquiline have been analysed in the context of gall development.

Eurytoma Species from Mexico and Guatemala with Synonyms and Keys (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae)

Keys to 7 groups and 30 species of eurytomids from Mexico and Guatemala are given. All but 2 species are parasites of cynipid gall makers on oaks. Eurytoma compressa described originally from Mexico, phytophagous in seeds of Rhus virens, is redescribed on the basis of specimens from California from seeds of R. trilobata. Reasons for excluding Eurytoma tylodermatis, E. seminatrix, and Bruchophagus herrerae from the Mexican fauna are discussed while Eurytoma gossypii, parasite of Anthonomus grandis, is added. The following synonym are annotated. E. atrateges (= E. pilosa), E. aureata (= E. numerosa), and E. pusilla (= E. impar ).

A redescription of the larva of Olliffiella cristicola Cockerell (Coccoidea: Kermesidae)

SYNOPSISThe larva of Olliffiella cristicola, a gall maker on oak, is redescribed; the relation of this genus to Kermes is discussed and it is assigned to the family Kermesidae (Coccoidea).

Biosystematics and Morphology of Symphyta. Ii. Biology of Gall-Making Nematine Sawflies1 in the California Region

Female sawflies in 3 genera of tenthredinid Hymenopterain the subfamily Nematinae (Phyllocolpa, Pontania, and Euura) incite a gall (procecidium) on Salicaceae during oviposition by injecting modified colleterial fluid. The resulting callus is a true tumor, and the incitant host plant specifically ranges from broad (Phyllocolpa) to species-specific (Euura). There are degrees of plant susceptibility to gall formation and insect inciting capability. Phyllocolpa engender an open gall along the leaf margins of Populus and Sali.v, Pontania create a variety of closed cecidia on the leaves of Salix, and Euura form closed bud, petiole, and stem galls on Salix. Diapause of stem-galling Euura apparently is controlled by the plant. Defense mechanisms and host specificity of sawflies, and parasitoid and inquiline complexes, gall structure, and relationship between species group of host plant and gall maker as shown by gall form, ovipositor structure, and larval behavior are discussed.

The Microcommunity Associated with the Gall of Walshia amorphella (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterygidae) on Amorpha fruticosa

This microcommunity was studied over a 4-year period in Seward County, Nebraska. Of 243 galls examined in 1960, 85 showed evidence of activities of other insects, while normal emergence of the gall maker was indicated in 158. Parasites of Walshia amorphella Clemens that were found included the ichneumonid Phaeogenes walshiae walshiae Ashmead, the eupelmids Enpehnus sp. and E. cyaniceps Ashmead, and the braconid Microgaster ecdytolophae Muesebeck. Insects occupying galls after emergence of W. amorphella included a thysanopteran, Tubulifera sp.; an undetermined membracid nymph; the ant Leptothorax curvispinosus Mayr; the sphecid wasp Trypoxylon frigidum Smith; and the colletid bee Hylaeus cressoni (Cockerell). From H. cressoni two parasites were reared, the gasteruptiid Rhydinofoenus floridanus bradleyi Townes and the encyrtid Coelopencyrtus hylaei Burks. No biological information has been published previously for any North American member of the subfamily Gasteruptiinae.

Thimet Soil Treatments for Control of Leaf Miners, Galls, and Lace Bugs

Application of Thimet® ( O,O -diethyl S -(ethylthio)methyl phosphorodithioate) granules to the soil around birch, holly, and boxwood in 1957 controlled all season the birch leaf miner ( Fenusa pusilla (Lep)), the holly leaf miner ( Phytomyza ilicis (Curt.)), and the boxwood leaf miner ( Monarthropalpus buxi (Lab.)) on the treated trees. In 1958 the higher dosages used in each experiment continued to control leaf miners. Treatments of Thimet on soil gave good control of the first brood of honey locust pod gall maker ( Dasyneura gleditschiae (O.S)), but were ineffective for later broods. Similar treatments of andromeda and azalea plants controlled lace bugs.

Notes on Some Gall-Inhabiting Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera)

A great many chalcidoids inhabit plant galls. By far the greater portion of these are parasitic upon the true gall makers, which may be dipterous, hymenopterous, lepidopterous, or hemipterous insects. However, a considerable number of chalcidoid genera and species are now known to be the cause of the galls which they inhabit. The number of these in comparison to the total number of gall-inhabiting forms is relatively small; yet in the aggregate they constitute a sizeable list of genera.

Plant Galls and Gall Makers.

Plant Galls and Gall Makers.

Plant Galls and Gall Makers, by Ephraim Porter Felt [Review

Plant Galls and Gall Makers, by Ephraim Porter Felt [Review

BOOK NOTICE

Embryology of Insects and Myriapods. The developmental history of insects, centipedes, and millepedes from egg desposition [sic] to hatching. By O. A. Johannsen and F. H. ButtPlant Galls and Gall makers. By E. P. Felt

Plant Galls and Gall Makers

Plant Galls and Gall Makers

ANCISTROCERUS CAPRA AND THE LARVAE OF EPARGYREUS TITYRUS. (HYMENOP.)

During the past summer I noticed that the wasp, Ancistrocerus capra (De Sauss) was frequently to be taken on the Locust Tree (Robinia pseudacacia), so one afternoon about the middle of August I thought I would try to discover what was the attraction. I did not have to wait long for a wasp and soon found one which appeared busy hunting. Many of the leaves on this particular tree had the edges folded over and swollen, the work of some gall maker; she examined these leaves very closely, but I hardly thought that what was in them would be of any use to a wasp the size of capra.