A rose gall wasp is a parasitoid wasp (tiny and harmless to humans) that lays its eggs in rose plant tissue. The wasp doesn’t sting people — it uses its ovipositor (egg-laying organ) to insert eggs into rose buds or new plant growth.

We're fortunate to have a covey of what appear to be California Quail that live in the brambles at the back of our property and frequently cruise around the garden (especially in the morning and evening) scratching for food and taking dust baths. I hope they're eating as many insects and weed seeds as they can fit in their plump little bellies.