Sputnik Gall Wasp - Diplolepis nervosa

The Sputnik Gall is nearly always caused by the cynipid wasp Diplolepis nervosa. It is usually found on the undersides of the leaves of the Dog-rose (Rosa canina), but occasionally on the upper surface. The gall is more likely to be seen than the adult wasp.

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.

Quite common and widespread in Britain.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.