We were basically out on a walk that lead us to a few interesting trees and insects. The above Osage orange is an interesting tree in that southern Michigan is the northern edge of the range for finding it. That said, there are many street and park trees that do not occur here naturally. It is, however a nice tree, especially when with fruits.
The above bur oak is less than 100 meters from the osage orange. But not only are the acorns interesting, but also what else is goring on it.
This gall is quite interesting, and is yet to be identified.
When the gall insect emerges these little cups are left behind.
This is what a single “cup” looks like.
A little further along our walk we found a black locust with several Evergreen bagworm moths cocoons.
The little “wood-like” items on the outside of the cocoon are actually leaf petioles.
Finally, also on the same black locust we found some Hemipteran larvae.
With all of these insect pests adorning the trees I wonder sometimes, how do the trees survive.
More next time…
Michael's Place 