Smooth Pea Gall Wasp
Diplolepis eglanteriae/nervosa
This record describes Diplolepis eglanteriae/nervosa (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The smooth rose pea gall is caused either by cynipid wasp Diplolepis nervosa or by Diplolepis eglanteriae on the leaves of the Dog-rose ( Rosa canina ). The galls are identical and Diplolepis eglanteriae cannot be recorded from the gall; adults have to be bred and keyed out. Diplolepis nervosa also produces spiked galls, and these can be determined - see separate species account. Anywhere that the host Dog-rose plant is found. The adult insects emerge from their galls in spring. Each gall is, in effect, a hollow, fleshy nursery chamber for a small white grub, the larva of the Diplolepis gall wasp, which feeds on the chamber wall. The galls appear to detach from the leaves before leaf fall and will lie in the leaf litter until the grub pupates and emerges as the small adult wasp, only about 4 mm long.
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
Anywhere that the host Dog-rose plant is found.
Seasonal Activity
The adult insects emerge from their galls in spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Each gall is, in effect, a hollow, fleshy nursery chamber for a small white grub, the larva of the
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Diplolepis eglanteriae/nervosa. 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 Smooth Pea Gall Wasp (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Smooth Pea Gall Wasp
What is Smooth Pea Gall Wasp?
Smooth Pea Gall Wasp (Diplolepis eglanteriae/nervosa) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Smooth Pea Gall Wasp found?
Habitat: Anywhere that the host Dog-rose plant is found.
When is Smooth Pea Gall Wasp active?
Smooth Pea Gall Wasp: seasonal activity - The adult insects emerge from their galls in spring..
What is the life cycle of a Smooth Pea Gall Wasp?
Each gall is, in effect, a hollow, fleshy nursery chamber for a small white grub, the larva of the