What gall!

No, this isn't a walnut. It's a gall, a growth on the limb of an oak tree. It is made by a tiny wasp -- a gall wasp.

I found this gall Sunday on a dead limb. There was not an exit hole anywhere on it. I knew the gall should have a small, white grub inside. But I wondered if it would be alive, since the limb was dead. So, I cut the gall open to see.

Inside the outer shell of the gall was a brittle case. I carefully broke open the case with the point of my pocketknife.

I was surprised to see a living, white grub inside the case. It will probably die now that its protection from rain, freezing temperatures and predatory birds has been breached. I am sorry for that, but I wanted to know so I could tell you.

Gall wasps are common insects; however, they are not often seen.

Courtesy of Aaron Horrell

AARON HORRELL is owner of Painted Wren Art Gallery in Cape Girardeau. He is a Bollinger County native.