Sputnik Gall Wasp
Diplolepis nervosa
This record describes Diplolepis nervosa (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The cynipid wasp Diplolepis nervosa causes spiked 'sputnik' galls on the petioles, midrib or leaf blades of wild roses, usually underside but occasionally on the upper surface. It also forms smooth pea-galls, but these cannot be distinguished from those of Diplolepis eglanteriae . 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 nervosa 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 (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Rose Gall Wasps)
- Genus
- Diplolepis (Rose Gall Wasps)
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 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 Sputnik Gall Wasp (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sputnik Gall Wasp
What is Sputnik Gall Wasp?
Sputnik Gall Wasp (Diplolepis nervosa) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Sputnik Gall Wasp found?
Habitat: Anywhere that the host Dog-rose plant is found.
When is Sputnik Gall Wasp active?
Sputnik Gall Wasp: seasonal activity - The adult insects emerge from their galls in spring..
What is the life cycle of a Sputnik Gall Wasp?
Each gall is, in effect, a hollow, fleshy nursery chamber for a small white grub, the larva of the