Dryocosmus castanopsidis

Gall (Figs 97–99) [See page 22 of the pdf for photos of this gall]. Galls on staminate catkins, 12–24 mm in diameter, round, reddish, slightly pubescent, the inner cell has no air space around it.

Biology. Only asexual generation females are known which induce galls on Chrysolepis chrysophylla and C.
sempervirens. Galls start to develop in late May-early summer, mature in September-October and fall to the ground and overwinter in the leaf litter. Some galls remain on the trees and can be collected through winter, although these galls may remain on the trees due to attack by inquilines that could inhibit complete development of the galls (the authors collected some in January that contained only inquiline larvae).

Distribution. USA, California and Oregon.

- James Nicholls, John DeMartini, George Melika, Graham Stone: (2018) New species of Dryocosmus Giraud gallwasps from California (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) galling Chrysolepis Hjelmq.(Fagaceae)^©