Sputnik Gall

Diplolepis nervosa

Sputnik galls, measuring up to 5mm, are formed by the gall wasp Diplolepis nervosa. Each gall houses a single larva. Typically, the galls are found on the underside of leaves, although they can occasionally be located on the upper surface or on the flower stalk, appearing individually or in small clusters. They can exhibit a combination of green, pink, and yellow hues; when exposed to sunlight, they may turn deep red. Over time, the galls become brown, and once they mature, they drop from the leaves. After undergoing pupation within the gall, a new adult wasp emerges during the spring or summer.