Dryocosmus demartinii, new species

Gall (Figs 14–17) [see page 8 of the pdf for these color photos]. A roughly spherical axillary bud gall found on shoots of the same year, approximately 6–7 mm in diameter. Superficially similar to asexual gall of D. rileypokei, but typically smaller and rounder with smooth surface. Gall surface is smooth; purple in colour in growing galls turning yellow-brown in mature galls. The gall remains solid as it matures, with no air space between the larval cell and surrounding parenchyma tissue.

Biology. Only asexual females are known, inducing bud galls on Chrysolepis chrysophylla which develop from late summer. Galls are mature by September/October and fall to the ground to overwinter. Under laboratory conditions adults emerge the following year in summer.

Distribution. USA, California.

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