1 Topic by RobLarge

  • RobLarge
  • RobLarge
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  • From: Wiltshire
  • Registered: 15-07-2008
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Topic: Diplolepis rosae

I just noticed, while doing some data entry that Diplolepis rosae (a very common gall-forming wasp), doesn't appear in any of the preferred lists in R6. For some time we have been trying to discourage entry of data against any other than preferred lists where possible and I was surprised that this was not possible for such a frequently recorded species.

Am I right then in assuming that there is as yet no definitive preferred list for gall-wasps? And is there any sign of one on the horizon?

Rob Large
Wildlife Sites Officer
Wiltshire & Swindon Biological Records Centre

RobLarge's Website

2 Reply by ChrisR

  • ChrisR
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  • Registered: 27-08-2011
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Re: Diplolepis rosae

Hi Rob

That's an interesting observation - as you say, a very common and easily identified gall wasp but not appearing in any recommended lists. I think this just reflects the slightly shaky situation with specialist Hymenopteran checklists - there have been very few over the years and even fewer in modern usage. I know Gavin Broad is working on a series of checklists, starting with his Ichneumonidae checklist, but I don't think he has completed Cynipoidea yet. We will be importing these lists when I get the time and are in fact planning to trial a new, easier method for maintaining lists but this will have to wait in line for a few more urgent updates :)

Best wishes,
Chris R.

Chris Raper, Manager of the UK Species Inventory, Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity,
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD.  (tel: 020 7942 5894)
also Tachinid Recording Scheme (http://tachinidae.org.uk/)