Are thes some sort of pupae?

[Mike Jackson]

Loads of them on leaves around a pond at Guestling Wood.

[Ferret]

They are Galls Mike caused by a mite I think, but could be wrong about that, I sure someone with more knowledge will be along in a minuet to put me right.

Ferret

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Ferret

They are Galls Mike caused by a mite I think, but could be wrong about that, I sure someone with more knowledge will be along in a minuet to put me right.

Ferret

You're right Ferret that these are galls. Some galls like the familiar ones found on maples including Sycamore are caused by mites, but the ones in the photo are formed by a sawfly, Pontania sp, possibly P. proxima. These are on Salix species as seen in the photo.

[Mike Jackson]

I take it there's a sawfly larva inside each one then. If so how long 'til they emerge.

I assume this is a gall as well that I found elsewhere in the woods.

[Ferret]

I think I know this one, its a Knopper Gall found on Oak and caused by the Gall wasp Andricus quercuscalicis quite a complicated life history if I rember correctly needing both Engish Oak and Turkey Oak for differant parts if it life cycle.

ferret

[Mike Jackson]

It was under an Oak so you're certainly part of the way there if not all of the way.

Cheers

[aeshna5]

Agree, Knopper Gall.