Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp vs Lesser Citronella Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp Lesser Citronella Ant
Scientific Name Diplolepis rosae Lasius claviger
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cynipidae Formicidae
Size 2.5–4 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Heathland Orchards
Diet Gall Makers Root Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Eastern North America
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.

Lesser Citronella Ant

A small yellow subterranean ant closely related to the larger citronella ant. It produces a citrus scent and lives in deep soil nests tending root aphids.

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Did You Know?

Citronella ants are obligate herders whose survival depends entirely on their symbiotic relationship with underground aphids.