Rose-stem Gall Wasp vs Balsam Fir Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rose-stem Gall Wasp Balsam Fir Sawfly
Scientific Name Diplolepis spinosa Neodiprion abietis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cynipidae Diprionidae
Size 2–3.5 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Meadows Forests
Diet Gall Makers Omnivores
Regions North America Eastern North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Rose-stem Gall Wasp

A gall wasp that creates spiny galls on the stems of wild roses in North America. Each gall contains a single larval cell surrounded by hard woody tissue.

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Did You Know?

Its galls often persist on rose stems for years after the wasp has emerged, serving as shelter for other insects.

Balsam Fir Sawfly

A boreal sawfly whose dark green larvae with lighter stripes feed on balsam fir needles. Periodic outbreaks can cause significant defoliation in fir forests.

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Did You Know?

Outbreaks of this species often follow those of the spruce budworm, as the already stressed trees are more susceptible to additional defoliation.