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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
What the heck is this thing?
Could it be some sort of gall or hive from an insect?
Here is my theory:
"Pine-Pine Gall Rust" ( Endocronartium harknessii ) is caused by a fungus, and is a common disease of Scots pine. Many native western pines and introduced species, such as Austrian and mugo pine, are also reported to be hosts. Pine-pine gall rust causes the formation of spherical woody galls on branches and stems of pine.
Globose or pear shaped woody galls form on branches of pine trees, on main stem in some species. Galls enlarge to 1-10 cm before dying. In May and early June powdery yellow-orange spores appear. In second year and third year galls develop bark collars at one or both ends.
About three years after infection, spores of the fungus are produced on the surface of the galls. These spores are yellow, powdery, and burst out of blister-like structures. These yellow spore masses may begin to appear in New York from mid-April to early May and may produce infectious spores for about 6-8 weeks. At the same time, healthy young shoots are elongating and are susceptible to infection. Spores from the galls are wind-blown and some inevitably land on the young shoots. Infections follows during wet weather. The following year infected areas on branches begin to swell and form galls.
The banana slug!
Banana slugs are detritivores, or decomposers. They process leaves, animal droppings, and dead plant material, and then recycle them into soil humus. They seem to have a fondness for mushrooms, and they spread seeds and spores when they eat, and excrete a nitrogen rich fertilizer. By consuming detritus (dead organic matter) slugs contribute to decomposition and the nutrient cycles and are an important aspect of the ecosystem.
Raccoons, garter snakes, ducks, geese and salamanders sometimes eat banana slugs; they roll the slugs in soil to bind the slime. Juvenile banana slugs are sometimes eaten by shrews or moles.
Banana slugs can move at 6 ½ inches (16.5 cm) per minute
The Pacific banana slug is the second-largest species of terrestrial slug in the world, growing up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long,[4] and weights of 115 gram (4 oz).[5] (The largest slug species is Limax cinereoniger of Europe, which can reach 30 centimetres (12 in) in length.)
Banana slugs excrete a thick coating of mucus around their bodies and can also estivate. They secrete a protective layer of mucus, and insulate themselves with a layer of soil and leaves. They remain inactive in this state until the environment is moist again.
Courtship
The slime also contains pheromones to attract other slugs for mating. Slugs are hermaphrodites, and reproduce by exchanging sperm with their mate.
They produce up to 75 translucent eggs, which are laid in a log or on leaves. Slugs mate and lay eggs throughout the year.
The adults provide no further care for their eggs beyond finding a suitable hiding spot, and the eggs are abandoned as soon as the clutch is laid.
Slugs use two pairs of tentacles to sense their environment. The larger, upper pair, termed "eyestalks," are used to detect light or movement. The second, lower pair are used to detect chemicals. The tentacles can retract and extend themselves to avoid damage.
Banana slugs have a single lung which opens externally via pneumostome. The pneumostome lung cavity is heavily vascularized to allow gas exchange.
Dehydration is a major problem for the mollusk.
Here is my theory:
"Pine-Pine Gall Rust" ( Endocronartium harknessii ) is caused by a fungus, and is a common disease of Scots pine. Many native western pines and introduced species, such as Austrian and mugo pine, are also reported to be hosts. Pine-pine gall rust causes the formation of spherical woody galls on branches and stems of pine.
Globose or pear shaped woody galls form on branches of pine trees, on main stem in some species. Galls enlarge to 1-10 cm before dying. In May and early June powdery yellow-orange spores appear. In second year and third year galls develop bark collars at one or both ends.
About three years after infection, spores of the fungus are produced on the surface of the galls. These spores are yellow, powdery, and burst out of blister-like structures. These yellow spore masses may begin to appear in New York from mid-April to early May and may produce infectious spores for about 6-8 weeks. At the same time, healthy young shoots are elongating and are susceptible to infection. Spores from the galls are wind-blown and some inevitably land on the young shoots. Infections follows during wet weather. The following year infected areas on branches begin to swell and form galls.
The banana slug!
Banana slugs are detritivores, or decomposers. They process leaves, animal droppings, and dead plant material, and then recycle them into soil humus. They seem to have a fondness for mushrooms, and they spread seeds and spores when they eat, and excrete a nitrogen rich fertilizer. By consuming detritus (dead organic matter) slugs contribute to decomposition and the nutrient cycles and are an important aspect of the ecosystem.
Raccoons, garter snakes, ducks, geese and salamanders sometimes eat banana slugs; they roll the slugs in soil to bind the slime. Juvenile banana slugs are sometimes eaten by shrews or moles.
Banana slugs can move at 6 ½ inches (16.5 cm) per minute
The Pacific banana slug is the second-largest species of terrestrial slug in the world, growing up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long,[4] and weights of 115 gram (4 oz).[5] (The largest slug species is Limax cinereoniger of Europe, which can reach 30 centimetres (12 in) in length.)
Banana slugs excrete a thick coating of mucus around their bodies and can also estivate. They secrete a protective layer of mucus, and insulate themselves with a layer of soil and leaves. They remain inactive in this state until the environment is moist again.
Courtship
The slime also contains pheromones to attract other slugs for mating. Slugs are hermaphrodites, and reproduce by exchanging sperm with their mate.
They produce up to 75 translucent eggs, which are laid in a log or on leaves. Slugs mate and lay eggs throughout the year.
The adults provide no further care for their eggs beyond finding a suitable hiding spot, and the eggs are abandoned as soon as the clutch is laid.
Slugs use two pairs of tentacles to sense their environment. The larger, upper pair, termed "eyestalks," are used to detect light or movement. The second, lower pair are used to detect chemicals. The tentacles can retract and extend themselves to avoid damage.
Banana slugs have a single lung which opens externally via pneumostome. The pneumostome lung cavity is heavily vascularized to allow gas exchange.
Dehydration is a major problem for the mollusk.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
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