Holcaspis spongiosa (Karsch)

Diplolepis spongiosus
Cynips spongiosa
Cynips q ficula
Loxaulis ficula
Holcaspis ficula

Gall. (Plate IX, Figs. 10, 11.) Closely compressed clusters surrounding the twigs of burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa), post oak (Quercus minor [stellata]) and Quercus chapmani. The individual galls in these clusters assume a variety of forms, by reason of their lateral pressure which they exert upon each other. The normal form would undoubtedly be that of a regular cone attached by its apex to the branch. The galls form a rounded or elongated or globular symmetrical mass, somewhat resembling that of pressed figs. Externally they are thin-shelled and are usually covered with a rust-colored velvety substance which mostly disappears from the outward and exposed surface. Internally it is composed of a soft spongy reddish brown substance and contains a hard larval cell not separable from the spongy substance. The masses are usually very closely compact giving them the appearance of being one large gall, with fissures and depressions indicating the individual galls. Length 25 to 50 mm. Diameter 16 to 38 mm.

Habitat. Georgia; Florida; Texas.

The types of H. ficula are in the American Entomological Society and the American Museum of Natural History, and the types of H. spongiosus are probably in the Berlin Museum.

The description and figure of the gall of H. spongiosus agree with that of H. ficula. The adult was briefly described from a broken example and Dr. Karsch stated that the same together with the characteristic gall would serve to recognize the species.

- William Beutenmuller: (1909) The species of Holcaspis and their galls^©