Diplolepis spinosa
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Diplolepis spinosa
Diplolepis spinosa
The Diplolepis spinosa, also known as the thorn gall wasp, is a tiny insect that creates galls on plants. These galls look like little bumps and are homes for the wasp's babies!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Diplolepis spinosa is a small, dark-bodied wasp, typically black or dark brown, with slender, often reddish-brown legs and antennae. Its tiny size distinguishes it, as does the absence of a prominent ovipositor, unlike some similar gall wasps.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCynipidaeGenusDiplolepis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Amazingly, the wasp's stingers are only for laying eggs, not for stinging you!
Inside the plant's woody fortress, young wasps safely eat and grow up!
These tiny wasps command rose plants to grow spiky, golf-ball-sized homes!
When grown, the adult wasp chews a perfectly round escape hole to fly free!
Special abilities
Ability
Plant Architect
Diplolepis spinosa can chemically reprogram rose plants to grow protective homes called galls for its larvae, ensuring safe development.
Ability
Growth Controller
Diplolepis spinosa has a unique ability to trigger abnormal plant growth, creating intricate, spiny galls that provide food and shelter.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 4-8 mm
- Size
- 2-4 mm
- Lifespan
- 300-365 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Young wasps feast on rose plant tissues inside their spiky galls.
Age differences: Larvae consume plant tissue; adults may sip nectar but do not feed on plant tissue.
Primary Foods
- rose stem tissue
- rose bud tissue
- rose leaf tissue
Ecological connections
depends on
prickly rose
Rosa acicularis
Provides plant tissue and shelter for larvae.
parasitizes
ichneumon wasp
Orthopelma mediator
Larvae feed internally on the developing Diplolepis wasp.
parasitizes
chalcid wasp
Torymus bedeguaris
Female lays eggs into the Diplolepis gall, larvae consume host.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These wasps are not dangerous, but it's best to look and not touch their galls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Diplolepis spinosa's wingspan?
4-8 mm
How big is Diplolepis spinosa?
2-4 mm
How long does Diplolepis spinosa live?
300-365 days
What does Diplolepis spinosa eat?
Young wasps feast on rose plant tissues inside their spiky galls.
Where is Diplolepis spinosa usually found?
Forests
How many legs does Diplolepis spinosa have?
6
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