+moghedian Posted October 11, 2002 Share Posted October 11, 2002 The last month or so, we have seen some weird little bugs? or something on branches. They look like little cotton puffs? Little bugs waving their fluffy behinds? We come to a branch with them, shake it, and they start wiggling, shaking, etc.? Here is a link to one of our caches where someone has posted some pictures of these things...as well as a note because I can't figure out how to post a picture to the forums...... http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=22668 As we walk the trail and we see a blue/black leaf patch on the ground, beware of these little, white, floating things...!! What are they? Quote Link to comment
+Faderaven Posted October 11, 2002 Share Posted October 11, 2002 They're kinda cute they look like something out of Green Eggs and Ham or something. Never seen those before. Quote Link to comment
Cholo Posted October 11, 2002 Share Posted October 11, 2002 Those look like Eastern Cooties. Better check your hair for nits, all your hair. Quote Link to comment
+CYBret Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 As I recall, we had those bugs here (central Illinois) about 10 years ago. They pretty much wiped out all the white birch trees. Maybe it's a different bug, but it sounds the same. I remember they also left a stringy white residue everywhere they went. Bret "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again." Mt. 13:44 Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 Very strange looking bugs. I did a Google search and came up with this. Apparently they are not good for the tree: Beech decline involves a scale insect (which in itself does not seem to affect the tree's health) and a fungus called Nectria coccinea faginata (which is the cause of the disfigurement and death of large trees). The scale insect populations consist only of females, which are wingless and covered by white, wool-like threads. The immature scale insects (known as crawlers) are dispersed by the wind, and are typically found in small concentrations in bark crevices. In peak years, however, the insects can cover the trunks like a woolly blanket. The insect uses its sucking mouthpart to feed off the rich inner bark (cambium) of large beeches. In the process, it transfers the fungus, which--at present--can't be controlled once it has infected the tree. "Life is a daring adventure, or it is nothing" - Helen Keller Quote Link to comment
+carleenp Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 Both of my parents are entomologists. I'll try to get them to look at this and say what they are. It might take a few days though before I talk to them! Quote Link to comment
+Acc-Risk and Snarflax Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 Nuke the site from orbit... It's the only way to be sure... Bonus points for whoever recognizes the movie Contents Under Pressure... Quote Link to comment
+Zartimus Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Acceptable Risk:Nuke the site from orbit... It's the only way to be sure... Bonus points for whoever recognizes the movie "Aliens" Baby! Directed by James Cameron, one of the few sequels that surpasses the origional movie. And 'bout the bugs. I concurr. They look like they're taking over. I'd carefully torch that thing(nature's nuke). Quote Link to comment
Gustaf Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 More bonus points to earn: quote:You see a bug hole, YOU NUKE IT! Quote Link to comment
+Acc-Risk and Snarflax Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 Starship Troopers Denise Richards... Yummmm! Contents Under Pressure... Quote Link to comment
+Acc-Risk and Snarflax Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Zartimus:"Aliens" Baby! Directed by James Cameron, one of the few sequels that surpasses the origional movie. Agreed... It's one of the few films I can watch over and over... Of course I liked Resurrection also... Winona Ryder rocks my world... Contents Under Pressure... Quote Link to comment
crr003 Posted October 12, 2002 Share Posted October 12, 2002 You guys are too quick "They mostly come out at night..... mostly." I'd vote for Aliens also. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum Quote Link to comment
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