Melikaiella lupana comb. n.

Callirhytis lupana

Only the sexual generation is known to induce leaf galls on red oaks (Q. emoryi Torr.). It is distributed in USA (Weld, 1944). The galls are very similar to sexual form of M. flora. They are in a form of an abrupt fusiform polythalamous enlargement on the underside of the midrib, stunting the development of the leaf (Fig. 15d). Galls were collected on June and adults emerged in the same month (Weld, 1944).

Range: AZ

Comments. The gall and adults morphology of M. lupana are closely related to sexual form of M. flora. As we have commented above, M. flora is a species complex or a highly variable species and thus, M. lupana could be well synonymic to M. flora. Further rearing and studies must be done in order to solve this problem. Herein we treat M. lupana as a distinct, valid species.

Callirhytis lupana

Quercus emoryi, hypoleuca [hypoleucoides]
Leaf galls
Integral
Fig 112.

Callirhytis lupana, new species

Host.--Quercus emoryi

Gall (pl. 2, fig. 19). — A rather abrupt fusiform polythalamous enlargement on the underside of the midrib, stunting the development of the leaf. June.

Habitat. — The type material was collected on June 28, 1935, at Wolf Creek Camp, 10 miles from Prescott, Ariz., by Mrs. N. W. Capron. Adults were then emerging. She later sent empty galls from Cherry, Young, and Nogales, Ariz. A similar gall occurs on Q. hypoleuca at Patagonia, Ariz.

Melikaiella lupana
(Callirhytis lupana)*
Midrib gall wasp

Hosts: Quercus emoryi, hypoleucoides

As the galls occupy half or more of the midrib, they often cause the leaf to bend.