Abstract
I WAS much interested in Mr. A. Stephen Wilson's letter upon this subject (NATURE, vol. xx. p. 55). I must, however, demur to his statement that “all insect-galls are in reality leaf-buds or fruit-buds,” as too sweeping to be accurate. I can hardly include in the above category the numerous galls which make their appearance on the growing leaves of trees, such, for example, as the oak-spangles (of Neuroterus malpighii) or the galls of the Spathegaster baccarum, Andricus curvator, &c., several of which may be placed on the veins of a single leaf. These examples cannot assuredly be classed as pathologically developed leaf or fruit buds only so far as woody growth usually takes place through buds. In a short paper I once read at the Linnean Society, an abstract of which appeared in NATURE during the early part of the year 1875, I drew attention to the fact that the growth of galls took place coincidently with the growth of the tissues in which they were placed; thus the development of the bud-galls of Cynips kolleri, Teras terminalis, and Aphilothrix gemma, is to be seen in the spring, summer, and early autumn, but not in winter time when the tree growth is arrested. My observations at that time led me to suppose that the currant galls of the oak and others of the same class only grow during the growth of the leaf to which they were attached.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
HOLLIS, W. Insect Galls Buds. Nature 20, 95 (1879). https://doi.org/10.1038/020095b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/020095b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.