Dryocosmus floridensis (agamic)

Andricus peltatus, n. sp. 

The gall described below was discovered on Quercus marylandica Muench., near Raleigh, North Carolina, by the senior author who was impressed by its unique characters. The specimens were brought into the laboratory and the adults reared. These adults may not belong to the genus Andricus but awaiting a thorough revision of the Cynipid genera they may be placed there provisionally. The gall is very different from any other North American cynipid cecidium in the possession of the curious peltate bract-like appendages, which are borne on and constitute a part of the gall proper; in the usual situation with bracted galls the bracts are borne beneath the larval cell or cells, representing aborted leaves. The adult insects emerged about June 1st. 

Gall: On Quercus marylandica Muench., sessile on stem at nodes (originates from apical meristem of lateral bud) on branch portions from 1-5 years old; prosoplasma, concentric type with up-walled superstructure ; flask-shaped, the neck bearing numerous, sparsely hairy bract-like appendages which are reflexed and overlap shingle fashion. Appendages greenish with red-tinged hairy tips, peltate, lanceolate, stalk short. When young very thickly covered with acicular trichomes some of which are of the compound stellate type; 8-14 mm. high, 14-22 mm. wide at base including appendages; 1 or sometimes 2 larval cells in proximal half (Fig. 4), distal false chambers corresponding, walls thick, thin sclerotic layer differentiated around nutritive layer lining the chamber; rare, Raleigh, North Carolina. 

A New Species of Oak Gall and its Maker