The insect was first described by the German entomologist Peter Friedrich Bouché in 1834 and is found in Europe.

Some herbivorous insects create their own microhabitats by forming an abnormal growth, in this case a gall.

Both upright and prostrate stems can be galled and they are often low down and hidden by vegetation.

Galls can remain on the plants for many years, are often silvery and numerous exit holes can be seen.

[2][3] Galls have been recorded on the following brambles:-[4] Diastrophus rubi has been found in the following countries; Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain (most common in the south and east), Hungary, Spain and Sweden.