Robin's pincushion - mossy balls at wild roses

Robin's pincushion - mossy balls at wild roses

nursery for the Common gall-wasp (Diplolepis rosae)

When a tiny female gall-wasp (Diplolepis rosae) deposits her egg in a rose it causes the growth of the so called “Sleep Apple", "Robin's pincushion" or "Rose Bedeguar Galls”. 

A tiny larva hatches and feeds on the plant tissue. Every larva has its own "room" where this unperilous creature grows.

The color has changed and the mossy structures are a bit dry.

Überwintern

The larvae hibernate in their home.

Becoming an adult/ imago

Soon the larvae will pupate. 

Why are these galls called "Sleep Apples"?

In former times people put them under their pillows believing they would bring a good night's sleep.


What are we supposed to do with them?

In their natural range they are a part of the  eco-system. We just leave them alone.

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