Dryocosmus juliae, new species

Gall. The asexual generation of this species induces catkin galls, which were collected from Chrysolepis sempervirens at the two sites near Manzanita Lake (USA, California) on 2008.09.11 and 2012.09.24. However, at the time galls were collected only small larvae were inside the galls and no adults were subsequently reared. DNA sequences from these larvae matched those obtained from the sexual generation described above, confirming that this catkin gall is the alternate asexual generation of D. juliae, new species. These asexual generation galls (galltype code spCAc4) develop on staminate catkins, are around 4 mm in diameter, with a fluffy buff coloured surface. The internal structure shows an inner larval cell located at the bottom of the gall with a "dummy" cell above that contains a small opening on the upper surface (Figs 44–45). [See page 12 of the pdf for color photos of this gall].

Biology. Alternate sexual and asexual generations are known, developing on Chrysolepis sempervirens and C. chrysophylla. Galls of the sexual generation typically develop in June-August, adults emerge during the same period. Asexual galls on catkins starting to develop in September, adults probably emerge next spring.

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)^©