Posted by Peter Cross on November 24, 2011 at 3:58 PM
The other day while geocaching, I found this leave on the ground with this rather odd looking organism attached. I have no idea what it is. Was on a south facing slope in an open oak woodland. I did see others nearby as well. It is about the size of a pea. A paraiste of some sort like an oak gall? Photo taken with my Droid (did better than I thought). Thanks for any insights.
Posted by Sandy Steinman on November 25, 2011 at 1:33 AM
Your guess about galls is probably right. I think it is an urchin gall (Antron quercusechinus). Check this link and see what you think. http://bugguide.net/node/view/135715
Posted by Peter Cross on November 25, 2011 at 2:01 AM
Thanks Sandy,. Ii was hoping you'd be able to answer this one. Sure looks llike it. According to the link, Nov is when the adults emerge. Those I saw had no sign of emergence. Any reason they couldn't complete their life cycle even though it had fallen to the ground? Seems like an odd time for an insect to emerge but I guess they know their business better than we do. Thanks again.
Posted by Sandy Steinman on December 3, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Discussion
3 replies