Diplolepis spinosissimae
This record describes Diplolepis spinosissimae (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the gall wasp cause Diplolepis spinosissimae cause galls to form on various rose species, being most frequent on Burnet Rose (Rosa spinosissima) , but also found on other rose species including Dog-rose and Sweet-briar. The galls are smooth, reddish-green, ovoid in shape and may occur on the leaf petiole or protruding from both sides of the leaf but quite often the galls coalesce. Each gall contains a single white larva. Gall records for this species must be accompanied by a photograph. Please also state the host species when submitting your record. Galls may be found in areas where the host rose species occur. There is a single generation, with the larva hibernating and pupating in gall. Widespread but infrequent in Britain, most records seem to come from coastal areas where Burnet Rose is more common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Cynipidae
- Genus
- Diplolepis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Galls may be found in areas where the host rose species occur.
Seasonal Activity
When rose species are in leaf.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There is a single generation, with the larva hibernating and pupating in gall.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but infrequent in Britain, most records seem to come from coastal areas where Burnet Rose is more common.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Diplolepis spinosissimae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Diplolepis spinosissimae (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Diplolepis spinosissimae
What is Diplolepis spinosissimae?
Diplolepis spinosissimae is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Diplolepis spinosissimae found?
Habitat: Galls may be found in areas where the host rose species occur.
When is Diplolepis spinosissimae active?
Diplolepis spinosissimae: seasonal activity - When rose species are in leaf..
What is the life cycle of a Diplolepis spinosissimae?
There is a single generation, with the larva hibernating and pupating in gall.