Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp vs Blue Mason Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp Blue Mason Bee
Scientific Name Diplolepis rosae Osmia caerulescens
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cynipidae Megachilidae
Size 2.5–4 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Heathland Gardens
Diet Gall Makers Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp

A gall wasp that forms spectacular mossy red-green growths on wild roses. Each gall may contain up to 60 larval chambers.

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Did You Know?

In medieval times, its galls were placed under pillows as a supposed cure for insomnia.

Blue Mason Bee

A small, metallic blue-black solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities in wood and walls. It is common in gardens and readily uses artificial bee hotels.

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Did You Know?

Females seal each egg cell with chewed leaf material mixed with mud.