Geoica utricularia (Passerini, 1856)

Fig. 17

Diagnosis

Apterae 1.2–2.2 mm, cream to light brown, dusted with white wax. Legs and antennae short and stout, tarsi two-segmented. Body with numerous brown spatulate hairs. Dioecious, alternating between leaf

galls on pistachio Pistacia (Anacardiaceae) and grasses ( Poaceae). In Northern Europe anholocyclic on grass roots ( Poaceae). I have observed a few individuals feeding on Polytrichum commune * ( Polytrichaceae) in a Lasius flavus nest mound during extreme drought when the grasses had dried out. Always accompanied by Lasius ants.

Distribution

D F S.

Recorded moss host

Polytrichaceae Polytrichum commune (occasionally).