The Community Components Associated with Two Common Rose Gall Wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Diplolepidini) in Turkey

Abstract

Rose gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Diplolepidini) are well-known gall-inducing insects on Rosa species, and their galls support species-rich communities. During this investigation, gall samples of Diplolepis fructuum and D. rosae, which are the two most common rose gall wasps in Turkey, were collected in Gumushane, Tokat, Sivas, and Erzincan provinces. Fifteen species associated with D. fructuum and 12 species associated with D. rosae were reared. These community members are mostly primary and secondary parasitoids, along with seed- and gall-tissue?feeders. The association between Aximopsis collina and D. rosae was determined here for the first time. In D. fructuum galls, Pteromalus bedeguaris, Eupelmus urozonus, and Torymus bedeguaris, and in D. rosae galls, P. bedeguaris and Periclistus brandtii were the most common inhabitants among the community members excluding the gall wasps. Additionally, approximate emergence dates of the community members are given.