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Genus DIASTROPHUS Hartig, 1840
Adult Diastrophus are distinguished from Xestophanes (see above) by having strongly lobed
claws, and the subcosta and radius not reaching the anterior of the wing. The radial cell is open
anteriorly,
Diastrophus rubi (Bouche, 1834)
lkm.sq. records: 13 Local
Host: Rubus fruticosus agg., blackberry; R.caesius L., Dewberry
Part galled: stem
Diastrophus rubi
Described as generally distributed, but not
common by Fitch (1882 ), a situation that is
probably still true today. Not listed by
Niblett (1957).
The galls are pleurilocular, large (averaging
4-5cm.) and elongate, often reddish when
exposed to sunlight. Old galls are pale
brown and peppered with emergence holes.
The sexes occupy separate galls.
Galls are often found when pathside
brambles are cut back, suggesting that they
arc normally situated in the centre of
thickets (Chinery, 1992). Rubus caesius is
also noted as a host by Fitch (1882).
Genus DIPLOLEPIS Geoffroy, 1762
The genus is restricted to Rosa and males are uncommon, reproduction in most species being by
parthenogenetic females (Niblett, 1951) Many published records of Diplolepis
nervosa/centifoliae and eglanteriae are unreliable as they are based on the gall alone, (Niblett,
1947) although the species are easily distinguished as adults.
The genus is distinguished by having the mesopleuron with a longitudinal furrow and it is often
punctate or reticulate. The radial cell is closed anteriorly and the claws simple.
Diplolepis eglanteriae (Hartig, 1840)
no recent records
status ?
Host: Rosa spp. wild rose.
Part galled: leaf
The species is described as common by Fitch (1882) but his records may include other smooth
pea galls. There are reliable records from Epping Forest by J. Ross who bred a small series from
galls collected on Rosa canina and R.rubiginosa in 1941 (Niblett, 1944) but none since. It is
likely that if enough smooth pea galls can be successfully reared D. eglanteriae will be found to
still be present in the county.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 16 (1999)