Communal-oviposition
Guides
Diastrophus kincaidii
thimbleberry gallmaker wasp, thimbleberry gall wasp
Diastrophus kincaidii is a cynipid wasp that induces integral stem galls on thimbleberry plants (Rubus parviflorus). The galls form the basis of a complex derivative ecosystem, supporting a weevil and at least nine species of parasitic wasps. Females are flightless and exhibit communal oviposition behavior, with multiple females often ovipositing at the same site. Gall shape and size influence parasitism rates, with large, round, multilocular galls showing lower parasite frequency than small or narrow galls.