Femuros repandae, n. sp.
Agamic form
Gall. — As described for the genus. Possibly averaging smaller than the gall of ruidum; up to 17. mm,, averaging nearer 14. mm. in diameter.
[Description for the genus: Large, globular, monothalamous bud galls. Galls quite regularly spherical, distorted chiefly by the bracts, deformed leaves, and deformed (broadened) petioles which are closely fused on the surfaces; up to 23, averaging near 15. mm. in diameter; the surface of the gall similar to the bark covering young twigs, touched with red when young, becoming silvery and purple brown with age. Internally more or less solid, with a compact but soft tissue filling the outer third or half of the gall, this giving way to a more spongy and open tissue which supports the larval cell; larval cell central, inseparable, thick- and hard-walled, up to 7.0 mm, in diameter even in rather small galls. Galls terminal on main or side twigs, abruptly rising from the twigs, sessile but not more solidly attached than a normal bud; usually showing normal bud scales at base, occasionally with a deformed or small leaf or even a rare stem developing from the aborted structures on the surfaces of the galls; occurring singly or (rarely) in clusters of two or three galls.]
Host. — Quercus repanda [Quercus rugosa?], the lowest dwarf among the high mountain oaks in this area.
Range. — Mexico: Mexico City, 32 E, 10.600’ (types). — Hidalgo: Pachuca, 7 N, 8700’. — Probably restricted to dwarf oaks of the repanda group in the mountains of Mexico (state), and perhaps through Morelia.
Life History. — Adults: April 16, 24
This insect occurs on the dwarf oaks of the repanda, group in the high mountains rimming the Valley of Mexico. On the other oaks of the same area, F. ruidum represents the same complex of insects.