Robin's Pincushion Galls

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The Robin's Pincushion is a strange looking fibrous growth, which is found on wild rose bushes.  These galls are caused by the larvae of a tiny wasp which has the scientific name of Dipoloepis rosae.

When the galls first appear in late summer they are green in colour, but in autumn they take on a reddish hue (hence the robin name) and then in winter they turn a dark brown colour.

The galls are normally seen on the stems of the rose but smaller ones are sometimes found growing on the leaves.

Inside the gall are several wasp grubs which feed on the plant tissue all through the winter and then emerge as adult wasps in spring.

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• UK Safari Galls Section
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