Diplolepis rosae

Bedeguar gall wasp

Description

These unusual growths appear in late summer and autumn on wild rose bushes, are created by this species. Damage is caused by the tiny, about 4 mm long wasp. The wasps hatch in spring (mostly females, males are very rare). The female, without mating, lays eggs on rose twigs. From the egg hatches a larva which causes creating of a specific swelling - a ‘fluffy’ gall with a number of outgrowths, in which it lives. There it also pupates at the end of summer. The gall remains on the twig for several years. At first it is green or yellow, later red and after drying up it turns brown. Similar galls are created on oaks by Cynips caputmedusae. The physiological impact is negligible, it has only minor esthetic importance. Parks, gardens, also wild roses.

Symptom

From the egg hatches a larva which causes creating of a specific swelling - a ‘fluffy’ gall with a number of outgrowths, in which it lives. At first gall is green or yellow, later red and after drying up it turns brown.

Tree Species: Rose

Part of a plant- attacked: Branch

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes