117
Fig. 4
© J.P. Bowdrey
Genus AYLAX Hartig, 1840
According to the literature, the two British species of Aylax are easily distinguished on the basis
of their galls (Eady & Quinlan, 1964), the adults, however, cannot always be reliably separated
morphologically. Some examples of the galls arc difficult to attribute to cither species and it may
be possible that galls of both species could be found in the same capsule, if indeed there are two
species involved, rather than two forms of the same species. The records listed below include
only those where the galls were clearly distinguishable. Both species are no doubt under-
recorded.
Aylax papaveris (Perris) 1km.sq. records: 3 ?Scarce Plate 13
Host: Papaver rhoeas L.. Common poppy, P.dubium L., Long-headed poppy.
Part galled: capsule
Fitch (1882) recorded this species from Hockley and there arc modern records from Colchester,
Bradfield and Great Oakley. This species galls the seed capsules of Papaver spp. The gall tissue
fills and distorts the capsule leaving the septa visible. The distorted capsules can be
distinguished more readily and galling confirmed by removing the top of the seed capsule. Old
capsules bear circular emergence holes. Galls can be found on disturbed ground, field margins,
roadsides, gardens etc.
Distinguishing characters of the adult A. papaveris are a rugose scutellum with the small
anterior area coriaceous and a shallow medial depression posteriorly. The notaulices are
generally complete.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 16 (1999)