Do you know what this is?

[Tam-i-am]

This morning I found this in my driveway.  I know nothing about trees or the things that harm them (that is Kevin's job) but I have never seen anything like this.
Even my go to guy Kevin had never seen anything like this.  When I picked it up it appeared to be so full and fluffy but by the time I got it inside, Kevin inspected it and took its pic it was already not looking as fluffy and white.

I thought for sure it was some kind of bug as there are perfectly round holes in the leaves.  I decided to break it open and it looks like seeds.



 



 

[Gary_C]

Not a clue. Are you close to Area 51?

Been using the microwave a lot?

:D

[Tam-i-am]

nope and nope.

I am a little worried about what I will find when I get home tonight. :D

[Gary_C]

Any white oaks in the neighborhood?

I suspect the seed pod is just an attachment from something else.

[Ox]

I've seen those sometime in the distant past, too.  I can't remember any details, either.  Just so's ya know ya ain't the only one!  ;) :D

[Tam-i-am]

OMG look what popped out of that fuzzy ball!


 

Just kidding! :D :D :D

Yes, the ball/growth thing is on a white oak branch.

I guess I'm going to have to stick it in a jar and see what comes out of it for real.

[brendonv]

Wool Sower Gall

8)

[Tam-i-am]

Thanks for the answer.

What a cool little wasp!

[Ox]

Very interesting.  Darn eggs look like seeds and this is what I remember confusing me years ago.  I love learning new things!  Good thread, Tamiam.

[Tam-i-am]

The eggs look and feel just like seeds and confused me as well.  Since the insect causes the tree to mutate to make the gall it also tricks it into making the  egg casings as well.

I found this after brendonv told me what it was.

http://www.the-understory.com/2012/06/07/the-incredible-emergence-of-the-wool-sower-gall-wasp/

[Ox]

It would appear an insect has been messing with mother nature long before humans, huh?  Kinda like that wasp that gets in the goldenrod and then the plant makes a big ball around it for a little nest.

I'm so thankful for the internet.  I've learned so much and saved my family so much money it's amazing.  If not for modern technology I'd still be that stupid, ignorant farmboy on the hill............  Hmmmm.  Part of that is still probably true.  :D