Olliffiella secunda Ferris, 1955:21

Material studied:

• Paralectotypes on Quercus sp.:
  • MEXICO, State of Guerrero, 30 mi. E. of Acapulco, La Providencia, Mar. 15, 1926, coll. G.F.F., 4(7), NMNH

Remarks:
The original description contained no information on the first or second instar. Ferris (1955) noted that O. secunda forms galls on oaks in Mexico, similar to O. cristicola.

Olliffiella secunda Ferris

Synonymy:

• Olliffiella secunda Ferris, 1955a:23, 27.

Post-reproductive Female:

• Unknown.

Type Host and Locality:

• Quercus sp., Mexico, Guerrero, La Providencia (ca. 30 miles E of Acapulco).

Other Literature Citations:

• Sternlicht, 1974: 195–197.

Remarks:
This species has apparently been collected only once and forms a leaf gall similar to that formed by Olliffiella cristicola Cockerell. Ferris described the species based on third instar females, mistakenly assuming they were adults. In 1978, the second author attempted to re-collect topotype material to clarify the taxonomic status of this species but was unsuccessful.

Etymology:
The species name, secunda, reflects its position as the second described species in the genus Olliffiella.

Genus Overview:
Two species are included in the genus Olliffiella:

• O. cristicola (distributed in the southwestern United States),
• O. secunda (known from Mexico).

Host Associations:

• Hosts of O. cristicola: Quercus emoryi (occasionally Q. hypoleucoides).
• Host of O. secunda: Unknown oak species.

Biological Observations:
Observations on the biology of O. cristicola are provided by Cockerell (1896a), Ferris (1919), and Kosztarab (1982). Ferris (1955a) noted that the galls of O. secunda resemble those of O. cristicola. However, the description of O. secunda was erroneously based on third instar nymphs.

Unfortunately, certain developmental stages are lacking for both species, and further studies are required to confirm the validity of O. secunda. The second author attempted to re-collect topotype material for O. secunda in 1978 without success.