Cynipidae Collection

Robins pincushion gall caused by Gall wasp (Diplolepis rosae) on wild Dog rose (Rosa canina), Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK. September

Galls of the Silk button gall wasp (Neuroterus numismalis) on the underside of a fallen Oak (Quercus sp. ) leaf
Galls of the Silk button gall wasp (Neuroterus numismalis) on the underside of a fallen Oak (Quercus sp.) leaf. A single adult wasp will emerge from each gall, Peak District National Park

Gall of a Gall Wasp or Gallfly (Cynipidae), on the leaf of an Elm tree (Ulmus), Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Sleep apple or bedeguare of the Gall wasp -Cynipidae-, on a dog rose -Rosa canina-, Allgaeu region, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Gall of the Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp or Asian Chestnust Gall Wasp -Dryocosmus kuriphilus-, Switzerland

Gall Wasp (Andricus gemmeus) galls, on Oak (Quercus sp. ) sapling, Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, England, September
Gall Wasp (Andricus gemmeus) galls, on Oak (Quercus sp.) sapling, Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, England, September

Common spangle galls on a leaf
Common spangle galls on the underside of an oak (Quercus sp.) leaf. These protective galls contain the larvae of a parasitic wasp (Neuroterus quercusbaccarum). Photographed in Poland

Silk button spangle galls on a leaf
Silk button spangle galls on the underside of an oak (Quercus sp.) leaf. These protective galls contain the larvae of a parasitic wasp (Neuroterus numismalis). Photographed in Poland

Spangle galls on an oak leaf, SEM
Spangle galls on an oak leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of spangle galls on the underside of a leaf from the English oak (Quercus robur) tree

Adult gall wasp
Gall wasps are dark-coloured tiny insects only a few millimetres long. Most gall wasps form galls which are abnormal growths on a plant or tree which develop as a result of the attack

Cynipidae, adult gall wasps
Adult gall wasps inspecting an oak gall in which the parasitic wasps lay their eggs

Adult gall wasps
Gall wasps are dark-coloured tiny insects only a few millimetres long. Most gall wasps form galls which are abnormal growths on a plant or tree which develop as a result of the attack

Oak apple galls
Galls growing on the tips of two oak twigs

Oak apple gall of a sexual form, made by a grub of the gall wasp Biorhiza pallida

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"Cynipidae: The Intriguing World of Gall Wasps" Gall wasps, belonging to the family Cynipidae, are tiny creatures that create fascinating structures known as galls on various plants. One such example is the Robins pincushion gall caused by the Gall wasp (Diplolepis rosae) on wild Dog rose (Rosa canina). These intricate formations resemble a pincushion and provide shelter for developing wasp larvae. In the enchanting Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, UK, galls of the Silk button gall wasp (Neuroterus numismalis) can be found adorning fallen Oak leaves. Each gall houses a single adult wasp that will eventually emerge into the world during November. Traveling to Upper Bavaria in Germany, we discover another captivating sight – a Gall Wasp or Gallfly (Cynipidae) creating its unique gall on an Elm tree leaf. This remarkable adaptation showcases nature's ability to transform ordinary foliage into extraordinary habitats. Moving further south within Bavaria lies Allgaeu region where Sleep apples or bedeguares of the Gall wasp -Cynipidae- cling onto dog roses. These peculiar growths serve as protective shelters for developing larvae and add an element of intrigue to this picturesque landscape. Switzerland also hosts its own variety of galls created by Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasps or Asian Chestnut Gall Wasps -Dryocosmus kuriphilus-. These distinctive formations can be observed dotting chestnut trees, showcasing yet another example of nature's ingenuity. Closer to home in Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, England, Andricus gemmeus creates intriguing galls on young Oak saplings. These small wonders adorn their host plant with delicate beauty while providing essential resources for future generations.