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.