Bird Nest?

[n5750547]

I've seen a lot of these around and was wondering what kind of nest it is. Most of the ones I saw were about 8cm long and on the tips of small tree branches.

Cheers
Phil

 

[Aussie123]

Its a gall created by a wasp or fly.

The critter drills into the bark and lays larvar or eggs. These irritates the plant causing the gall.

 

[Lepmeister]

WOW so is that actually the plant rather than a nest? what's inside there?

 

[Aussie123]

WOW so is that actually the plant rather than a nest? what's inside there?

Do a search for: "gall acacia" - you'll see lots of examples and some cross sections.

 

[n5750547]

Didn't expect that. I assumed it was probably just some dirt that had been put there by some nest builder. Thanks for the info

 

[n5750547]

From the few articles I have found it seems like no-one knows the mechanism which causes them to form, even when they know what/who is responsible. Any ideas or links to how it might happen?

 

[Lepmeister]

Nice photo by the way mate.

 

[Hairyman]

some pics on this thread...http://bushcraftoz.com/forums/showthread.php?1242-Trichilogaster-acaciaelongifoliae-(wattle-apple-gall-wasp)&highlight=gall+wasp