Comments on: Galling

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:30:13 +0000

I can see from your blog that you’re an expert on galls and midges. I defer to your judgement and will alter my blog entry to point out your comment. Thanks for letting me know.

By: Charley Eiseman

Charley Eiseman — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:26:26 +0000

I believe these are actually among the few oak galls that are not caused by cynipid wasps–they look to me like the work of Polystepha globosa, a midge (Cecidomyiidae).

By: bhancey

bhancey — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:04:47 +0000

Thanks! I have always wondered about those bumps on leaves, and now I know.

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:37:39 +0000

Kay, at this time of year migrating robins spend about 2 months at Pittsburgh's latitude before heading further south. Their numbers can build to 100,000 by the end of the year. Here are two blogs with more information: Lots O'Robins from November 2011 100,000 Robins Near Carnegie from January 2008

By: Kay

Kay — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:51:46 +0000

I have seen these on oak leaves but never knew what they were. I have a question off the subject, why are there so many robins at this time of the year. I didn’t see many of them this summer, but Saturday was a revolving door at both of my birdbaths. A line up waiting to use the birdbath, much like cars waiting to get in the car wash. At least 8 or 9 on the patio at one time “hunting”. Is this like the starlings gathering and getting ready to migrate? You start each of my days off on the right foot with an interesting story. Thanks.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:34:49 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVXyg3Qtpgc

I became intrigued and found this video of the “jumping galls” … kinda cool …