# Diplolepis polita Diplolepis polita, also known as the Robin's pincushion, is a tiny insect that creates round, fuzzy galls on rose bushes. These galls are like little homes for the insect's larvae, making them very special! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Urban areas - **Also known as:** Robin's pincushion ![Diplolepis polita](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Diplolepis_polita_199711163.jpg&width=800) Photo: Anna Hess, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diplolepis_polita_199711163.jpg) ## Appearance The Diplolepis polita is a tiny, dark, and often shiny wasp, appearing somewhat ant-like with a compact body and clear wings. Its most distinctive feature is not the wasp itself, but the reddish, spiky, mossy galls it creates on rose plants, which are much larger than the insect. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Cynipidae - **Genus:** Diplolepis ## Interesting facts - Female Diplolepis polita can lay eggs that hatch into more females without needing a male! - The plant galls grow into a perfect, safe, food-filled house just for the tiny developing larvae! - The spiky, mossy galls created by these wasps are sometimes called 'Robin's Pincushion'! - These tiny wasps are so precise, they can make a rose bush grow a whole new structure! ## Special abilities - **Gall Architect:** Diplolepis polita can chemically alter rose plants to grow protective, nutrient-rich nurseries for its young. - **Tiny Engineer:** Diplolepis polita has a specialized ovipositor that precisely injects eggs and chemicals into plant tissue. - **Hidden Nursery:** Diplolepis polita larvae can develop safely inside the plant galls, protected from many dangers. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 3-6 mm - **Size:** 2-4 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding The larvae eat rose plant cells while adults may sip nectar from various flowers. - **Age differences:** Larvae consume plant tissue within galls, while adult wasps may feed on nectar and pollen. - **Primary Foods:** Rose plant cells, Nectar, Pollen - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** Dog Rose (*Rosa canina*) — Host plant for gall formation. - **Parasitizes:** Gall Wasp Parasitoid (*Orthopelma mediator*) — Lays eggs inside Diplolepis larvae. - **Eats:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Birds may predate on larvae in galls. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's best to look at the galls but not touch them, as they are homes for tiny insects. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Diplolepis polita? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Diplolepis polita's wingspan? 3-6 mm ### How big is Diplolepis polita? 2-4 mm ### How long does Diplolepis polita live? 7-14 days ### What does Diplolepis polita eat? The larvae eat rose plant cells while adults may sip nectar from various flowers. ### Where is Diplolepis polita usually found? Urban areas ### How does Diplolepis polita hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Diplolepis polita have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Los Trancos Open Space Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/los-trancos-open-space-preserve) — California, US · Nature Reserve - [Pilot Bay Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pilot-bay-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Diplolepis polita: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/diplolepis-polita)